Reckless Driving Newton Co. Indiana

[bwp133]

What is the name of your state? Indiana
I was pulled over fordoing 92 in a 55 on us41 in Newton Co. Indiana. I was given a "Information and Summon" which looks just like a ticket, for reckless driving. The summons says that i must appear in court on a date to be set by the court. I have one prior speeding ticket from november of 2003 which i went to traffic school for. What if any are my options in this situation? Is there any way for me to possibly get the charges reduced? Should i hire a lawyer? Would it be possible to settle the case without going to court? Any information that anyone could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks

Originally Posted by bwp133

What is the name of your state? Indiana
I was pulled over fordoing 92 in a 55 on us41 in Newton Co. Indiana. I was given a "Information and Summon" which looks just like a ticket, for reckless driving. The summons says that i must appear in court on a date to be set by the court. I have one prior speeding ticket from november of 2003 which i went to traffic school for. What if any are my options in this situation? Is there any way for me to possibly get the charges reduced? Should i hire a lawyer? Would it be possible to settle the case without going to court? Any information that anyone could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks

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. Ask about traffic school and the ticket not go on your record, if applicable.


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.”)

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Other people may give you other advice; stand by.