 Reckless - 80 in 55 - Ches. Bay Bridge Tunnel - VA
What is the name of your state? VA
I received a reckless driving ticket for an 80/55 in VA. I was not travelling at this speed as I was driving this route recently at 65 and tried to figure out how fast 80 was. The officer was on a lane coming toward the car with a sizeable median and the ticket indicates it was radar. We were both on a decent sized bend in the road. The police department indicates they are eagle radars. It was a beautiful, clear day with only a few cards (one had just passed me quite quickly). I was polite with the officer, did not deny/admit guilt and was on my way in 5 minutes.
I have not received any violations for 8 years. I have had a Delaware license for two and previously lived in the UK (previous to this was in US). My UK license has no records on it either (easy to tell as they issue a paper license). Seeing how I commute an hour each way daily this has to be commendable.
The lawyer wants $375 and was referred to me under prepaid legal.
First off, do many lawyers let you pay half up front and half later? I won't have this money before the date (already received one continuance) and don't have credit cards.
Second off, the clerk of the court advised that this judge does not arrest for these speeds and therefore won't issue court appointed lawyers (probably wouldn't have qualified anyways). Will I really need a lawyer with my driving history, a copy of my UK driving license, a letter of recommendation (currently attending University), a printout of the Driver Improvement Program I would request to attend (the on-line version of virginia's program), the leniancy requested for non-cancelation of license due to my long commute and sole breadwinner in the family? I would plead non-guilty, view the calibration records, ask how recent the vehicle was calibrated as well. Do I have a decent chance of getting off with less than the amount I would pay for the lawyer? Will a lawyer really be able to get me a better deal than a lower speeding ticket?  | 
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