So I went to court for reckless driving today...

[flatlander757]

Well I figured it would be nice for you guys to hear a follow-up post once in a while

I went to court today because I was caught racing another car. We weren't really racing per-se, it was a coworker and we were just goofing around on our way to the mall after work. Basically I was paced at 82mph and was over 70mph for a 1/2 mile stretch. Despite doing this all in a 55mph zone, I have a good habit of using my turn signals and still used them for the few lane changes I made. Cop pulled me over(another cop pulled my coworker over a couple minutes before me), and asked how fast I think I was going, I hesitantly said "70?" to which he replied "82." I was given my summons and was charged with "Reckless Driving(General)" on it.

Well today in the courtroom, I had a lawyer(who's name I got from www.speedingticketcentral.com) who represented me well. I provided a DMV report to show that otherwise my license was clean, I have maintained a 3.0-3.1GPA all through high school, and 3 character statements from various people. The cop said that when he pulled me over I was very apologetic and cooperative, but had on the report that I did not use my signals, to which I argued that I have a very good habit and am almost positive I never changed lanes without them. The judge said "At least you try to only break a couple laws at a time" while she was like and I was still nervous as hell like

The judge ended up mandating that I take a driver's improvement course, ride the school bus 90 times(getting the bus driver to sign a paper each time... up to 2 per day), and come back in April to see if I have any other charges against me then... which if I stay clean the charge will be lowered to 19mph over as a regular speeding ticket instead of the 27mph over reckless driving, which is considered a felony in VA.

I hate the communistwealth of VA, but it appears I got off easy.

I definitely don't plan on BSing or street racing again, simply not worth it.

[MagicRat]

Thank you for the update.

That sounds reasonable, especially that their goal seems to be rehabilitation, instead of just giving you a record.

Back in '82 when I was a stupid kid, I got a careless driving ticket from a pissed-off cop (I was spinning donuts on municipal property).

That cop did me a favour; his ticket improved my attitude lots and kept me (mostly) out of driving trouble.

[lamehonda]

good to hear.

27 over is a felony????? that is absurd.

[planet_keeper]

glad to hear that things are gonna turn out okay.

i agree with you about tickets, magicrat. when i got my speeding ticket i was pretty ticked off but keeping my speed closer to the the speed limit has kept me out of at least one accident so far and maybe even more tickets. it almost saddens me to say it but i think it made me more responsible :P

[clawhammer]

Thanks for the update.

27 over is probably a misdeamenor, not a felony. After reading the post, I would've thought that they would let you off a little easier than 19 mph over, but at least it's just a speeding ticket instead of a reckless driving ticket. Well, at least your career won't be in jeopardy. Take that as your wake up call, and go to the track to drive fast. Auto-x will probably be the cheapest.

[fredjacksonsan]

Excellent results...just keep it clean for 6 months and you'll be good to go!

[flatlander757]

Yes it was definitely a wake up call.

I think that once I get my license back in Feb, I'm going to buy a Geo Metro froma friend for about $150 if he still has it, take the Camaro off of insurance, and park it as a project car. I got the OK from my Votech instructor that I can bring it in and use a lift there as long as it's done by my senior year and out of the place So I'm thinking 383 stroker LT1 Hopefully I can continue doing stuff until summer 2007 and then when I move out of the house I'll move somewhere close to a drag strip

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by flatlander757

Yes it was definitely a wake up call.

I think that once I get my license back in Feb...

They took your license?

[flatlander757]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

They took your license?

I thought I mentioned that I won't get it back until I do the 90 bus trips. I guess I forgot to say that...

But yeah, I have to do the 90 bus trips and then I get my license back, and have the driving school completed by April(Got it scheduled to do in January).

I sat down and figured out provided I don't miss the bus or we have any snow days or anything, I can get my 90 trips completed by Feb. 5th.

[fredjacksonsan]

Gotcha; seems like the judge wanted you to ride the bus awhile and think about it.....(which you already have)

Thanks for the update and info...I've lost my license before, it'll be over pretty quickly for you.

[crzyCollegeKid]

you got it very easy...

i got to spend a night in jail, pay $100 ticket, $268 in court fees, and do 8 hours of traffic school. well, at least i didn't get community service and all that other bullshit. too bad i can never again have insurance under my name for the next 5 years.

[PBking82]

Interesting. You got your license pulled for 27 over. I had a ticket(my only ticket) for 31 over and just had to pay the fine($200) and all is good(except my insurance went up by like a grand). What state are you in? Peace-

O shit my bad. You're in VA I'm a NY resident and got my ticket in PA. Guess I just had the state laws to my advantage. Peace-