Reckless Driving Citation [FL]

[Showaski39]

What is the name of your state? Florida

I was getting out of work last Saturday night following my friend to a gas station. As we were exiting the parking lot we reached a stop sign. I pulled next to my friends car, about the front half of my car was next to my friends car in front of me at the stop sign.

At about the same time I got next to him he made a sharp left turn from the stop sign and so did I. When I made my left turn I had slid around the corner, I was fish tailing for about a second. As my car was sliding around my friend accelerated probably no faster than 35 MPH and I am almost positive I didn't go no faster than 35 either (can't verify as I never looked at my speed o the whole time). After I straightened the car out a cop on bare foot walks in front of my friends car with his gun pulled out and pulls us both over.

He gives us both a citation for reckless driving with aggression. I did not completely mean to slide around that corner the way I did, my tires are worn out and I am still getting used to my car. He did not give me or my friend a fee on the citation but instead just a court date. I just turned 17 this month and my friend is 16, the cop said we were going to lose our license untill 21 years old. Both of us cannot afford to lose our license as we both are going to school and have a job.

My friend got a lawyer but I cannot afford a lawyer and I don't know what to do. Should I just plead guilty? Please keep in mind my car is old and I havn't gotten the chance to buy new tires yet but I have been trying to lately. My tires are worn out and need replacing. Also the part of the road where I made my turn had a puddle of water and the streets were fairly damp from previous rain the same day. It was in a store parking lot, stores were closed and parking lot was fairly empty.

Sorry for such a long post but I want to make sure I tell exactly what happened and the truth so I can get the best help or advice. My court date is Sept 9th.

Thanks,

Joel

[Robbie0723]

The officer drew his weapon!?!?

Given that story, if you need to drive, and maybe even avoid jail, you really need to reconsider getting a lawyer.