Speeding ticket in virginia for reckeless driving

[sortout]

I got a ticket for reckless driving on I-64 (Front Royal) in Virginia doing a 90 in a 65mph zone. The ticket says I need to appear in court on a given date, I am from NJ. Can I stay away from a court appearance and the consequence of this ticket on my license. From what I gathered through forums this seems to be a severe offense in Virginia.

Any experiences?

[KRV]

As a Virginia resident, I can tell you that our cops and court systems are notoriously harsh. Being out of state, contesting this ticket will be painful for you unless you are convinced of being unfairly ticketed and are prepared for a number of court appearances. Also, the odds are high that the officer has your "behind" by way of radar back-ups or even pictures on file. VA has tied up with a few other states (don't know about NJ) that share driver records and so, an offense like this will qualify for points on your records in VA, which may be seen by your insurance company.

All told, if you are guilty, pay the fine and be done with it. Northern VA cops and courts are among the most sophisticated in U.S. when it comes to these matters (heck, we even have a candidate running for State senate against the "increase in traffic fees" issue - not sure he'll win though, as the counties make a lot of money off of these fines - which were drastically increased from July 07)

[ycl1688]

anytime you are speeding, it is like putting your right hand into the lion cage
at the zoo, you will be known as lefty:emwink:

[soomdy]

an offense like this will qualify for points on your records in VA, which may be seen by your insurance company.

[/quote]

And with points your car insurance will go up.
To bring it down, I recently came to know that there is some online test ( Please google and share here or talk to your insurance guys) you can take that reduces your insurance. The test costs about 20 bucks for you and 20 bucks for your spouse but brings down your 3 yr insurance premium by roughly about 300 $s. After 3 yrs u will have to take this test again to keep your premiums down.


GL,

[dhindia]

on ur ticket, there should be more options. one of them should be that u agree that u are guilty and u would like to take the online test/school. this should bring ur ticket price down and also there will be no points assessed if this is ur first offense and so ur insurance will not be affected. atleast that is how it is in florida

[sortout]

A Reckless driving ticket in Virginia is considered a misdemeneour and it requires a court presence (cannot pay fine and get done with). From the amount of google search I have done so far, this looks serious with possible license suspension/jail-time and hefty fines. Any similar experiences?

[KRV]

A Reckless driving ticket in Virginia is considered a misdemeneour and it requires a court presence (cannot pay fine and get done with). From the amount of google search I have done so far, this looks serious with possible license suspension/jail-time and hefty fines. Any similar experiences?

Sorry, did not notice that you have a "reckless" driving ticket. I assumed you have a normal speeding ticket. Then, you must at least appear for the first court hearing unless you hire a VA attorney to represent you (which itself is a racket IMO). Personal appearance is valuable if you are indeed guilty. I suggest you apologize profusely to the court (cite any evidence that you can saying why you were in such a hurry to get to NJ and that in the past, you have no such record (if true)). The judge may, after listening to your plea, drop the misdemeanor charge and simply let you pay the fine and you are done with it. But the judge might still let DMV put some points on your record. I have heard some judges drop the misdemeanor charge for first time offenses.

Don't know what your immigration status is, but if you are aspiring for GC or USC status in the future, it is in your best interest to avoid a misdemeanor charge on your record.

[MeMyself]

I once had the misfortune of getting a speeding ticket - classified as 'reckless', because the overspeed was > 15mph. I had to go to court, and I plead guilty to the charge (gave some excuse). I had a clean record, so the judge made me pay a fine, docket points - and that was it.

Unfortunately for you, a reckless ticket cannot be paid by mail.

[In retrospect I should have plead 'not guilty' - because my speedometer reading was whatever brings the overspeed to ~10mph.]

[DoctorJ]

And with points your car insurance will go up.
To bring it down, I recently came to know that there is some online test ( Please google and share here or talk to your insurance guys) you can take that reduces your insurance. The test costs about 20 bucks for you and 20 bucks for your spouse but brings down your 3 yr insurance premium by roughly about 300 $s. After 3 yrs u will have to take this test again to keep your premiums down.[/quote]
Bring down points? Is this true with/in all states??? Please substantiate the claim with relevant information.
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My research has proved otherwise...but would be more than glad if someone proved by conclusions wrong. -DJ :cool:

[DoctorJ]

A Reckless driving ticket in Virginia is considered a misdemeneour and it requires a court presence (cannot pay fine and get done with). From the amount of google search I have done so far, this looks serious with possible license suspension/jail-time and hefty fines. Any similar experiences?[/quote]
That's my understanding too...

On a side note, was OP trying to kill somebody (or him/herself)???
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There was a time when I was young and dumb....now, I know better. -DJ :cool: