Reckless Driving Conviction in Virginia, with a Maryland License

[e31]

Looking for advice from fellow members on how to handle a Reckless Driving Tix in Virginia, with a Maryland License.
1. Plead guilty, pay fine, end of story.
2. Hire attorney, pay attorney fees
3. Appeal conviction? On what ground?

I have a second speeding tix within the same month.

[pseto]

You need to hire a lawyer who is well connected to that jurisdiction's court (i.e., county, city, or state)

Here's a few threads with recommendations too:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=lawyer
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ghlight=lawyer

[1M3ANM3]

I dont know what your fine was, but FYI points dont transfer from state to state so it wont affect you MD license.

[grahamular]

I dont know what your fine was, but FYI points dont transfer from state to state so it wont affect you MD license.

Unlike some states, Maryland does not transfer points unless it's a "major offense" as defined at http://www.mva.maryland.gov/About-MV.../26100-01T.htm. However, Maryland is a member of the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the VA conviction will eventually show up on your MD driving record. Therefore your insurance company may decide to adjust your rates regardless of whether or not points are assessed. But as far as points on your MD license, 1M3ANM3 is correct that it won't affect your MD license itself.

-Graham

[Alan]

Virginia, especially No. Va. can be famously brutal with reckless driving penalties. I would go with a good attorney.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Attorney if you don't want jail time. And if you want to get a security clearance, it's also an issue. Net-net, only an idiot refuses to lawyer up.

[1996 328ti]

I dont know what your fine was, but FYI points dont transfer from state to state so it wont affect you MD license.

But it does affect insurance.

[neatloaf]

Looking for advice from fellow members on how to handle a Reckless Driving Tix in Virginia, with a Maryland License.
1. Plead guilty, pay fine, end of story.
2. Hire attorney, pay attorney fees
3. Appeal conviction? On what ground?

I have a second speeding tix within the same month.

I went through this a few years ago. Got a reckless charge while traveling along the Dulles Toll Road.

The charges threatened my ability to drive through VA, jailtime, and a hefty fine.

Fortunately I had a prepaid legal service. Lawyer took care of everything and we went to court. Got by and only paid $180 with no points and that was it.

[AndrewFlusche]

Hi e31 - I realize this is an old thread, but you ask important questions for future folks who may be in the same situation.

If anyone gets a reckless driving ticket in Virginia, I recommend calling a local traffic lawyer whose office is located within 30 minutes of the courthouse. Start there. Have a free discussion with him / her about what's possible in the case and what the costs would be.

Then you have more information to make an educated decision. Do you need a lawyer for every case? No. But you'd be surprised how affordable and easy it can be to have a traffic lawyer take care of this situation for you.

A quick note about appeals: In Virginia, your first trial is in the General District Court. After a conviction, you have the absolute right to appeal within 10 days to have a brand new trial in the Circuit Court. You don't need any grounds for an appeal. It's your right.

Also, if anyone else has any further questions, I am happy to answer them here. I've also been blogging about Virginia reckless driving laws for years. If you're interested in learning more, here's the link to the reckless driving category of my blog: http://www.andrewflusche.com/blog/ca...kless-driving/

[Bob]

Note that Reckless Driving in Virginia is not a traffic offense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reckless_driving#Virginia

"The Code of Virginia has over 20 sections pertaining to reckless driving. It is defined as a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, not a traffic infraction or a speeding ticket. For example, Virginia code explicitly defines the act of speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit (or at any speed greater than 80 mph) as reckless driving."

"All drivers convicted of reckless driving in Virginia, including out-of-state and foreign (e.g. Canadian) drivers, will have a permanent criminal record that will be indexed in the NCIC criminal database."

As others have noted, find yourself an attorney in the applicable county. Virginia is a good-ole-boy state where matters such as these are routinely handled by paying attorneys applicable fees.

Vic

Im not arguing the need for a lawyer, just the fact that the system works that way(collusion?), and how absurd is "reckless driving" isn't a TRAFFIC infraction. The fact that a lawyer can have charges reduced or dropped with the exact same testimony that the defendant would provide should be grounds for dismissal and some sort of judicial overview, of course, the fox is guarding the henhouse,so don't expect any logic.

[reddy]

Hi Can you please share the Lawyer details.I am on the same boat now.