Wreckless driving / Street racing

[Austin17]

What is the name of your state? Washington

I was driving at night and went side by side another car who then accelerated, I matched his speed and I believe it was possibly 25 mph over the speed limit, 3 police vehicles approached from oncoming traffic, the police car made a u-turn and once behind me waited approximately 20-30 seconds then turned on lights, I turned right onto an off road and made the stop where the officer pulled me over and charged me with reckless driving. He included the terms "Street Racing" as it is very popular in my area of residence. Which essentially I was street racing there were other cars parked at the end of the road watching, however the officer never mentioned my speed, nor did he mention a radar device. I'm 17 and did not receive a ticket that night, however my license was not returned to me by the officer. I am a upcoming court case which I am unaware of the date yet as this incident occurred last night.

Can anyone offer some advice on what to do? Should I try to plead for speeding but not wreckless?

I have no previous traffic infractions.

Q: Can anyone offer some advice on what to do?

A: About what? We can't answer "if" questions here.

[Austin17]

Well I'm going to have a court hearing. I plan on wearing a suit and being extremely professional and unemotional. Should I plea guilty, or innocent? And along with the plea, should I try to plea for a lesser charge such as speeding rather than the current "wreckless driving" charge. I'm extremely unfamiliar with this sort of situation. I'm currently thinking a lawyer is going to be needed.

[Robbie0723]

I'm currently thinking a lawyer is going to be needed.

Probably a good idea and cheaper in the long run. The chance of someone inexperienced talking their way out of this may not be good.

The courts and cops dislike street racing as much as DWI's which is understandable if you have ever seen the results when things go horribly wrong.

Try [URL=http://motortrend.com/features/consumer/112_0407_race_scca/index.html] SCCA SOLO II[/URL], it's a lot of fun and the best way to really learn car control.

Good for you in your dress for court and your good demeanor!

According to what you state, you are definitely guilty.

I would suggest you go to court a couple of times before you really have to go. Those traffic court situations are sometimes like a bunch of cattle being herded up for the slaughter.

Anyway, ask the clerk at the court who you talk to about a diversion. They may let you plead to a lesser charge. You may have to pay a higher fine and be on probation, but it won't give you as many points or maybe no points at all.

Be careful driving to and from courts. Some judges tell the deputies to watch certain defendants as they get in their cars leaving the court house and if they act stupid in their cars, they get hauled right back to the judge (especially if the judge just put them on probation).