Reckless Driving

[DErnest]

What is the name of your state? VA
Several months ago I was turning onto my neighborhood street when I slowed down to allow a man walking two dogs to continue across the street. A woman with a dog stopped at the corner. I looked at her and verified that she was stopped and then turned to see the man stepping up onto the curb. I then proceeded to push on the gas to continue around the corner. But as soon as I pushed on the gas, the woman and her dog ran across the street in front of my car. I hit the back of the dog with the left front of my car. There was no damage to my car, but the dog ended up with a torn ligament and needed surgery. The woman later called the local Sheriff's dept., but was told that they would not write a ticket. To appease her, a Deputy came to my house and suggested that I turn the situation over to my car insurance. As suggested, I notified my insurance company, but to date the woman has not responded to any of their calls or emails. The woman then went to our local Magistrate's office two months after the accident and swore out a warrant for me for Reckless Driving. Knowing that this is a serious offense, I hired an attorney and we went to court. Although there were no witnesses other than the woman (the man with the dogs, her husband, testified that he had his back to us when the accident occurred), and she testified that I was not speeding, the judge found me guilty and hit me with a $500 fine. Immediately after court, a VA State Trooper who had been watching the case, came out and told me that he couldn't believe that the judge had found me guilty. He said that I had not exhibited anything that would qualify as "Reckless Driving" and strongly suggested that I appeal. I've now put in the paperwork to file an appeal, but am wondering if it is even worth it. Although I have +5 points on my license and haven't had an accident in years, I don't think that another judge will overturn a co-worker. Does anyone have any ideas about this and whether judges will overturn a colleague? Several people who had been in the courtroom and came out afterwards to offer condolences, all said that they were in shock. They said that both the husband and the woman weren't credible and really hadn't been able to offer any testimony that mattered. Everyone said that I on the other hand had been extremely believable, and even commended me on offering to drive the woman and her dog home so that she didn't have to carry the large dog.