Reckless operation charge on the parking lot

[Andryuha]

What is the name of your state?
-Ohio.

Well, a few days ago, I took my BMW out after a long down time. I decided to take it for a spin. I went to the park nearby to snap some pics, and saw an empty parking lot - so I decided to do a few donuts. I spun like 2 times at most, and 3 cops surround me. One of the cops said that he saw me "hot doggin'" and wrote me a reckless operation ticket. Court appearance is mandatory, and I just need advice on what to do. I really don't have that much money to deal with a fine and increased insurance rates. I would hire a lawyer, but I can't really afford one. Therefore I just need to know what to say in court.

 

[Andryuha]

Would it also be a good idea to go ahead and talk with the prosecutor before the court date?

 

[Andryuha]

anybody? Please

 

[racer72]

Nothing in your post suggests the ticket is invalid or not warranted. Without a lawyer, your best option is to show up at your hearing and negotiate a reduced charge and see if traffic school is an option. And they will work out a payment plan that can meet even the tightest of budgets.

 

[jity]

333.02 RECKLESS OPERATION ON STREETS, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(a) No person shall operate a vehicle on any street or highway without due regard for the safety of persons or property.

(b) No person shall operate a vehicle on any public or private property other than streets or highways, without due regard for the safety of persons or property.

I really don't see an out for you - It is perfectly clear that you broke a law. Since you don't have any money - Your best shot is to fight it, some outs if true - you have never done anything like this and this is the first ticket (I doubt it)

My car has been broken for awhile and I wasn't used to driving it, or my accelator got stuck and It startled me - so I turned the wheel.

It also depends what you said to the cop when he asked you WTF are you doing????

 

[Andryuha]

I have 0 points on my driving record. I only got one ticket before I turned 18, which was for speeding, but at the age of 18, the points return to 0 as far as I know. I most certainly haven't done anything like that before. I told the cop that I was checking if suspension components worked properly, and nothing is lose, because I changed everything myself. Since I had no time to think that's all I was able to come up with at the time.

 

[Andryuha]

Nothing in your post suggests the ticket is invalid or not warranted. Without a lawyer, your best option is to show up at your hearing and negotiate a reduced charge and see if traffic school is an option. And they will work out a payment plan that can meet even the tightest of budgets.

The officer did not offer to sign a ticket which susprised me. Would that make ant difference?

 

[Bcar1463]

From what I have seen/heard, that situation would have *generally* resulted in a careless driving ticket, althought this is totally cops disgression. Just saying you could possibly ask for a reduction. Best bet would be to hire a lawyer if it is important or critical that you don't have to pay a large fine or get all the points.

 

[Andryuha]

From what I have seen/heard, that situation would have *generally* resulted in a careless driving ticket, althought this is totally cops disgression. Just saying you could possibly ask for a reduction. Best bet would be to hire a lawyer if it is important or critical that you don't have to pay a large fine or get all the points.

That's what I figured, since hiring a lawyer could potentially save me money in the long run.