73 in a 40, Reckless in Fairfax, VA

[Shizzits]

Well I was pulled on Braddock Rd by a VA State trooper for doing 73 (33 over) in a 40 zone. The trooper citied moving radar as how he tagged me, and was apperently across the median (divided highway) and took several minutes to catch back up (there was other traffic on the road, 2:55 PM). I have had 2 prior tickets (One reckless when I was 17 which was struck from my record, one speeding violation 5 months prior to this ticket - prepaid), im also 18 now, white and a male. Cant afford a lawyer, and just wondering what I can do - ive heard of people contacting the DA and making an agreement, unsure of how to do that, etc.
I also didnt know you could get an accurate reading if the officer and you were traveling toward eachother.
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated, 31 days till court.
-Thanks.

[fedcop110]

Mobile doppler radar is extremely accurate, most of the time when you are in mobile mode you are tracking vehicles moving toward you. As long as the officer (trooper) tested the calibration of the unit both before and after his shift, which by the way he did, you will be found guilty of reckless. The trooper is a professional with this piece of equipment and operates mobile radar 8 hours a day everyday. Believe me if the trooper says you did it then the judge will say you did it. Your best bet is to show up to court keeping in mind seniorjudge's previous posts as to dress and appearance, plead guilty, and beg for mercy. If you have a clean driving record you might get some leniency. But Braddock road, depending on where you were, is not the place to be driving 73. The trooper was completely justified in the reckless charge and any judge in his right mind will uphold it.

Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

[url]http://forum.freeadvice.com/showthread.php?p=854687#post854687[/url]

Other people may give you other advice; stand by.

[fedcop110]

Thank you judge

Originally Posted by fedcop110

Thank you judge

I was right, wasn't I?

Dukes of Hazzard?

Indian reservation?

[fedcop110]

Right on the head...once again.

Originally Posted by fedcop110

Right on the head...once again.

I ain't as stupid as I look!

[Shizzits]

Wasnt contesting the charge, was wondering what I could do to get the best possible outcome.

Originally Posted by Shizzits

Wasnt contesting the charge, was wondering what I could do to get the best possible outcome.

Try to get diversion (i.e., probation, non-moving charge, something like that).

Ask the clerk when you go to court.