Need advice on a reckless ticket in VA

Jessobear · 06-06-2011, 07:38 PM

I did some research and the most reasonable advice I found was to show up in court with no lawyer and attempt to speak with the officer and/or the commonwealth attorney prior to court. It was felt that you could very often make a deal with them where you would agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge (careless driving or speeding).

If you were unable to speak with either of them or they were unwilling to make a deal, you file for a continuance and then hire a lawyer.

The general feeling was that hiring a lawyer was an unnecessary expense that resulted in no additional good in most cases. There was no risk in trying to make the deal yourself because you could always request a continuance and still hire the lawyer. The only thing wasted was your time.

The one exception where you always hired the lawyer was if you were trying to get the ticket dismissed, which I'm not trying to do.

Roadster4Us · 06-06-2011, 08:14 PM

Seems like very sound advice. Good luck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

I did some research and the most reasonable advice I found was to show up in court with no lawyer and attempt to speak with the officer and/or the commonwealth attorney prior to court. It was felt that you could very often make a deal with them where you would agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge (careless driving or speeding).

If you were unable to speak with either of them or they were unwilling to make a deal, you file for a continuance and then hire a lawyer.

The general feeling was that hiring a lawyer was an unnecessary expense that resulted in no additional good in most cases. There was no risk in trying to make the deal yourself because you could always request a continuance and still hire the lawyer. The only thing wasted was your time.

The one exception where you always hired the lawyer was if you were trying to get the ticket dismissed, which I'm not trying to do.

grithe · 06-07-2011, 03:13 PM

This is not legal advice. I am not qualified to provide legal advice.
I've only been a "customer" of the VA traffic court legal system(aka Revenue Generation System).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

show up in court with no lawyer and attempt to speak with the officer and/or the commonwealth attorney prior to court. It was felt that you could very often make a deal with them where you would agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge (careless driving or speeding).

It is my understanding at least in some VA counties that plea deals can only be made by your lawyer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

There was no risk in trying to make the deal yourself because you could always request a continuance and still hire the lawyer.

Showing up and asking for a continuance because you cannot make it to court probably will not work.

Calling ahead and requesting a continuance (before the deadline) can be good for lessor charges. Several years ago I got two continuances(finals week and summer finals week) and ended up in court more than 3 months after the original court date and the officer lost my paperwork. Case dismissed.

Your lawyer can also show up and ask for a continuance if he knows the judge/ada does not reduce anything. Then you show up at the next court date with a hopefully favorable judge/ada.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

unnecessary expense that resulted in no additional good in most cases

Additional Good:
My lawyer got the RD ticket reduced to speeding and no traffic school required. Friend of mine's lawyer just got his RD dismissed totally(I'm fairly irritated, and wouldn't expect that to happen again).

What county were you in?

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06-06-2011, 07:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jessobear Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 201 Drives: '10 370Z Tour/Sp M6 Rep Power: 16	I did some research and the most reasonable advice I found was to show up in court with no lawyer and attempt to speak with the officer and/or the commonwealth attorney prior to court. It was felt that you could very often make a deal with them where you would agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge (careless driving or speeding). If you were unable to speak with either of them or they were unwilling to make a deal, you file for a continuance and then hire a lawyer. The general feeling was that hiring a lawyer was an unnecessary expense that resulted in no additional good in most cases. There was no risk in trying to make the deal yourself because you could always request a continuance and still hire the lawyer. The only thing wasted was your time. The one exception where you always hired the lawyer was if you were trying to get the ticket dismissed, which I'm not trying to do.