A few weeks ago as I was driving through Virginia, I got caught speeding, going 88 mph in a 70 mph zone on I 81 in my car. I signed the ticket and continued on home. About a week later, I started receiving several letters from law firms in VA, offering to represent me in my 'reckless driving' charge. To make a long story short, here are the nuts and bolts about the speeding laws in Virginia:
1. A 'reckless driving' charge is a Class I misdemeanor (felony charge), punishable up to one year in jail and a $2500 fine. (don't know if anyone actually ever got the max sentence)
2. Going 15 mph over the speed limit carries the same consequences as a DUI.
3. Going 20 mph over the speed limit can result in automatic arrest and jail time.
4. Legal representation is a 'must' because of the felony charge and if found guilty of said charge, it results in a criminal record for life.
5. The Judge can take the police officer written statement as evidence 'of proof' and if the cop has a good reason to not show up in court for the hearing (in many cases a jury trial), the hearing or trial can still proceed. This is very important to note because in the American Justice system we have something called 'due process', which gives every defendant the right to cross examine the accuser to aid in his/ her own defense. How Virginia gets away with this, I don't know but plan on researching it.
6. Unlike other States, there are many law firms in VA who thrive financially by ONLY defending people with reckless driving charges. (think about that one for a moment)
There's more but I think I covered the most important points...
Here is a list of what I need to do between now and my court date in May.
a. Already hired a law firm ($1500)
b. Need to get my speedometer calibrated which hopefully turns out to be in my favor. My lawyer only recommends one place for me to get this done, which is close to three hours driving time from my home, one way. (around $75 for test)
c. To appear remorseful in court, I need to attend a 'safe driving' class which I have to attended in person, and takes about 8 hours. ($85)
d. I must appear in court, or my chances of saving my CDL drop drastically.
e. I have to get a copy/ certification of my past driving record and get it to my attorney.
f. There will be court costs of around $100.
g. The average fine for my type of charge is around $200, but could be more.
h. I'm looking at 4 points against my license and a hike in my insurance.
I have heard that there are other States that have enacted similar strict laws for speeding but I don't know which ones.
In ending, I just want to warn all of you amazing drivers to WATCH YOUR SPEED in Virginia.
Wish me luck!!
1. A 'reckless driving' charge is a Class I misdemeanor (felony charge), punishable up to one year in jail and a $2500 fine. (don't know if anyone actually ever got the max sentence)
2. Going 15 mph over the speed limit carries the same consequences as a DUI.
3. Going 20 mph over the speed limit can result in automatic arrest and jail time.
4. Legal representation is a 'must' because of the felony charge and if found guilty of said charge, it results in a criminal record for life.
5. The Judge can take the police officer written statement as evidence 'of proof' and if the cop has a good reason to not show up in court for the hearing (in many cases a jury trial), the hearing or trial can still proceed. This is very important to note because in the American Justice system we have something called 'due process', which gives every defendant the right to cross examine the accuser to aid in his/ her own defense. How Virginia gets away with this, I don't know but plan on researching it.
6. Unlike other States, there are many law firms in VA who thrive financially by ONLY defending people with reckless driving charges. (think about that one for a moment)
There's more but I think I covered the most important points...
Here is a list of what I need to do between now and my court date in May.
a. Already hired a law firm ($1500)
b. Need to get my speedometer calibrated which hopefully turns out to be in my favor. My lawyer only recommends one place for me to get this done, which is close to three hours driving time from my home, one way. (around $75 for test)
c. To appear remorseful in court, I need to attend a 'safe driving' class which I have to attended in person, and takes about 8 hours. ($85)
d. I must appear in court, or my chances of saving my CDL drop drastically.
e. I have to get a copy/ certification of my past driving record and get it to my attorney.
f. There will be court costs of around $100.
g. The average fine for my type of charge is around $200, but could be more.
h. I'm looking at 4 points against my license and a hike in my insurance.
I have heard that there are other States that have enacted similar strict laws for speeding but I don't know which ones.
In ending, I just want to warn all of you amazing drivers to WATCH YOUR SPEED in Virginia.
Wish me luck!!
lol.
I keep enjoying the warm weather so much that I tend to forget that I now live in the South.