Pulled over for reckless, not sure where to turn for help

[kallaway1]

What is the name of your state? Virginia


Hi all,
I understand this is a DUI forum, and I was not charged with a DUI, but seeing as how reckless and DUI are both criminal offenses (misdemeanors, I believe?), I was hoping somebody here could help me.

I was going to visit some friends one night, and a cop pulled me over for doing 86 in a 55 zone. He wrote me up for reckless driving, and I have to go to court in a month. I have never been pulled over before, or charged with any offense. I asked my friends, but I'm getting differeing reports about what will happen to me. Some say I will just have to ask the judge to take a driving improvement class, and I'll probably get off with a clean record and a few hundred-dollar fine as long as I wear a nice suit.

Others tell me I will probably get my driver's license revoked or restricted, as well as a fine in the 500-800 dollar range, along with a criminal record and a HUGE hike in insurance costs.

I'm really panicking about what to do... my court date is August 1st, and I'm planning to go to Japan for a year on August 28th to study abroad. I'm afraid this will put me on probation, or perhaps keep me from getting a visa. Any advice you all can offer me would be *greatly* appreciated.

Thankyou,
-Jon