90mph on a 55mph road
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: NOVA
90mph on a 55mph road
I was driving on 66east going most likely 80mph and got caught by a state trooper on the side of the road. He said he clocked me @ 90mph and that was that. I didn't ask him to see the radar or anything because at the time I was pretty scared and didn't know what to say. If anyone knows what kind of options I have or anything I can do to lower this offense I would greatly appreciate the advice. I know one thing I have to do is to calibrate my speedometer but other than that I have no idea what to do. Lawyer necessary? Other than that I hope someone has some type of good news.
Thanks,
Kevin
Thanks,
Kevin
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,788
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From: Marshall, VA.
Lawyer please.
Speedo calibration defense - No I'm not claiming to be a lawyer and yes Virginia is one of the few states you can use a malfuctioning speedo as a defense, but even if you can prove that your speedo didn't work, the judge still has the authority to find you guilty. That is not a 100% gaurantee for anything.
Speedo calibration defense - No I'm not claiming to be a lawyer and yes Virginia is one of the few states you can use a malfuctioning speedo as a defense, but even if you can prove that your speedo didn't work, the judge still has the authority to find you guilty. That is not a 100% gaurantee for anything.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Columbia, MD
Even if the speedo defense is acceptable in VA, I find it hard to believe (and so will the court magistrate or judge) that you wouldn't notice yourself going 90 (or even 80) even if the speedo was showing zero. Try that defense and the judge may decide you're yanking his/her chain and give you the max penalty.
You screwed up, get a lawyer and count your blessings the officer didn't clock you at something higher and impound your car right then and there.
You screwed up, get a lawyer and count your blessings the officer didn't clock you at something higher and impound your car right then and there.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 113
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From: Sterling, Virginia
Kevin,
You need a lawyer. The 20+MPH over the speed limit is a wreckless driving charge/allegation. It still has to be proven in court but the officer will be able to answer when his/her speedgun was last tested and/or when his/her speedometer (if he/she was following you for about 30 seconds) was last calibrated/tested.
A wreckless driving charge is serious and you're best of hiring a lawer to defend your case. The consequences, monetory, insureance, risk to the public... are not light and you may not pay for it if the officer cannot prove the case, but you'll still find it cheaper in the long run to hire a lawyer.
And of course, slow down from now on. Owning these cars is no license or excuse to speed and put others at risk no matter how good a driver you are.
You need a lawyer. The 20+MPH over the speed limit is a wreckless driving charge/allegation. It still has to be proven in court but the officer will be able to answer when his/her speedgun was last tested and/or when his/her speedometer (if he/she was following you for about 30 seconds) was last calibrated/tested.
A wreckless driving charge is serious and you're best of hiring a lawer to defend your case. The consequences, monetory, insureance, risk to the public... are not light and you may not pay for it if the officer cannot prove the case, but you'll still find it cheaper in the long run to hire a lawyer.
And of course, slow down from now on. Owning these cars is no license or excuse to speed and put others at risk no matter how good a driver you are.
