Passing through virginia (I-95 S), I thought I got a speeding ticket , but NO !!

[UndertheOcean]

It is actually a summons ! and I have to appear in court , what the fuck !! for going 84 in a 65 ... I was just flowing with the traffic .


I am reading online , and this sounds scary , permanent criminal record , jail time . (class one misdemeanor )


So I am supposed to fly from florida now to deal with this ? or hire an attorney , an expense I don't know how I'll manage.

[blueknight]

1. usually

they give you an option to just pay and NOT show up in court. monday morning, i would call the courthouse in that jurisdiction and inquire. tell them you are from out of state, and it would be a hardship to come back.

[realisticphish]

2. I got (they said) 3 speeding tickets in a year

(actually, it was more than a year, but I didn't figure that out until later)

They gave me 3 days in jail, suspended assuming I didn't get any moving violations within the next year (I didn't). They may do something like that in your case :shrug:

[Tobin S.]

3. Get a lawyer

And do it now. Here's a link to a lawyer specializing in Virginia traffic laws. http://www.bobbattlelaw.com/practice_areas/traffic-law-violation.cfm/?gclid=CNOvzfa1zaMCFQIFbAodvlfItw

From the site:

Fact: If you are caught doing above 80 mph on the highways of Virginia, you can and will be charged with Reckless Driving. As has been stated, this is not merely a traffic infraction. It is a criminal offense- a class one misdemeanor- the most serious class of misdemeanor in Virginia! Once convicted, there is no provision under Virginia law for expungement of this charge and you will have a permanent criminal record.

Fact: Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Bob Battle's Firm Defends Hundreds of Virginia and Out-of-State Motorists on their Reckless/Speeding Tickets- Usually Without Their Clients Having to Come to Court

[LaurenG]

5. That is scary and I would trust your knowledge on this

because you drive for a living. I'm glad you posted this. :scared:

[Tobin S.]

6. Don't trust me, trust lawyer Bob :)

I was unaware of this traffic law as well until UtO posted the original post.

[LaurenG]

7. I can't help trusting you

You live just up the street (OK freeway) from me and you're a democrat, how rare is that in SW OH. ;)

[Tobin S.]

8. Thanks, Lauren

:hug:

[UndertheOcean]

9. Thanks Tobin !

[MrScorpio]

4. Hire a V.A. lawyer

That's what I did after I stupidly went to court without one, was found guilty and had to appeal.

The lawyer eventually got the case thrown out and my driving record is clean as a whistle.

Hire a V.A. lawyer.

[UndertheOcean]

10. Hi MrScorpio , I am finally back to Florida , what lawyer do you recommend ? how much did it cost

you ?

This is such a mess , I could end up with a criminal record now . For going 84 on an Interstate !!!!

[MrScorpio]

11. I'm going to PM you nt

[Old Troop]

12. Most traffic tickets are called a summons because they can't just fine

you without due process (a court hearing). Most tickets allow the recipient to admit guilt by paying the fine.

[TZ]

13. This is a reckless speeding charge though

My sister got this (she lives in Virginia) and she got POINTS and a fine AND had to go to traffic school. OP needs a lawyer indeed. Virginia is very draconian with this law.

[Fire1]

15. Remind me to stay out of Virginny. n/t

[david13]

14. Virginia. You never heard of southern justice before? You're lucky

they let you drive away.
dc