reckless driving, no speeding

[sharonephone]

What is the name of your state? VA

I was driving on a residential road (Woodbridge, VA) that is backed up with the large majority of drivers wanting to turn right at a major intersection (Jefferson Davis Hwy). The road is one lane which turns into two lanes closer to the intersection- one lane become left turn only, the other is for going straight or right turns. I decided to go straight, traveling in the left turn only "Lane" until I got up to the intersection and then moving over to the straight lane. (This lane is open because most of the cars are "right turners" and are hugging the curb, so they are not usually occupying much of this lane.) When the light turned green, I went straight, nearly avoiding a car that ran the red light. At the nearest point, I made a legal u-turn and turned left at the light on Jefferson Davis. Here I avoided another individual who was turning right (into the left lane on Jeff Davis) next to the actual line of "right turners". I was waved over by a police officer who cited me for reckless driving after harassing me about having out-of-state plates (very very rude- no surprise). The explanations I was given for the reckless driving charge was that I almost hit another driver (the one that ran the red light!), that I made up a lane for myself, and that I was traveling fast while I was crossing the intersection. There was no radar involved, nor any calcuation of the speed I was going.

What would the likely punishment be? I have had speeding tix in the past (prob about 3 years ago)

Can I dispute this ticket?

What could a lawyer do for me? Just reduce the charges or actually get them dropped?

Thanks for the advice!

[Happy Trails]

Originally Posted by sharonephone

What is the name of your state? VA

I was driving on a residential road (Woodbridge, VA) that is backed up with the large majority of drivers wanting to turn right at a major intersection (Jefferson Davis Hwy). The road is one lane which turns into two lanes closer to the intersection- one lane become left turn only, the other is for going straight or right turns. I decided to go straight, traveling in the left turn only "Lane" until I got up to the intersection and then moving over to the straight lane. (This lane is open because most of the cars are "right turners" and are hugging the curb, so they are not usually occupying much of this lane.) When the light turned green, I went straight, nearly avoiding a car that ran the red light. At the nearest point, I made a legal u-turn and turned left at the light on Jefferson Davis. Here I avoided another individual who was turning right (into the left lane on Jeff Davis) next to the actual line of "right turners". I was waved over by a police officer who cited me for reckless driving after harassing me about having out-of-state plates (very very rude- no surprise). The explanations I was given for the reckless driving charge was that I almost hit another driver (the one that ran the red light!), that I made up a lane for myself, and that I was traveling fast while I was crossing the intersection. There was no radar involved, nor any calcuation of the speed I was going.

What would the likely punishment be? I have had speeding tix in the past (prob about 3 years ago)

§ 46.2-852. Reckless driving; general rule - Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving;

Reckless driving is Class One Misdemeanor Criminal Charge, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2,500 fine, and you could possibly lose your driving privilege for up to six months.

If convicted, reckless driving carries with it six (-6) demerit points

Can I dispute this ticket?

Sure you can dispute it, but the officer would explain your actions. Since what you described does fit the Virginia statute for reckless driving.

What could a lawyer do for me? Just reduce the charges or actually get them dropped?

I don't think you are going to get them dropped, but the lawyer may help you get a plea bargain.

[sharonephone]

What would a plea bargain do?

[Happy Trails]

Originally Posted by sharonephone

What would a plea bargain do?

By talking to the prosecution, the lawyer may get it reduced to a different charge. Not saying for sure they will be successful, but who knows?