Ryani87

Hey,

Got caught doing 77 in a 55 in Fairfax, based on what i've read, it seems I need a lawyer. This is my first offense (ever) otherwise a clean record. I've ordered an official copy of my DMV record, can anyone recommend a lawyer? Also, is it totally stupid to go in without a lawyer, i can afford it, but i'd rather not spend the $$ if possible.

Thanks

matthewsolo

where in ffx?

Ryani87

276 connector, right where it hits 495N

matthewsolo

ffx or state trooper?

and where exactly were they waiting for you?

Ryani87

I'm not sure, it was dark out, and i never saw him until he turned his lights on.. I asked if it would be knocked down in court, he said it was worth going, particularly if i had a clean record (which I do), and mentioned that since i wasn't an A-hole about the whole ordeal, that would reflect kindly upon me.

leadfootgirl

first offense.. i'd go and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. it's not wreckless so the fines will be less. just be more concerned with the points - which they may suspend.

you'd spend just as much time in attorney fees as the fines (my guess).

still - you have the right to counsel if you don't want to waive it.

03BlkS2k

no need for a lawyer............. if you have a clean record, the judge will probably reduce your fine. I did 67 in a 35 and I only had to pay 200 (total), clean record and all. If you're worried about points, just take a class (1 day) and you get back 5 points.

nautilist

Being ticketed at 22MPH over constitutes reckless driving in VA, as far as I'm aware.

As far as legal support, I've had one friend get his charges reduced without a lawyer, one friend get them reduced with a lawyer, and one get convicted with a lawyer. All three in Fairfax County. They all had pretty clean records, aside from the reckless charges. I think there are a lot of variables that go into whether or not one gets convicted - judges, moods, officers, background that make it hard to predict. If it were me, however, I would go with a lawyer - extra help to prevent stuff from going on your record is worth the money IMO.

leadfootgirl

the OP stated in his post he was not cited for wreckless. It seems the cop is sympathetic and would be willing to vocalize this in court as well.

An attorney is going to cost him 150-300 an hour, so assuming his fine is under 1000 - he should be fine.

then again - i'm not an attorney nor have i been cited for wreckless. Just going with the gut.

besides, it's all up to the judge. but if the OP came across that way to the cop - good chance he will present well to the judge as well.

sparrow

If the cop was sympathetic he would have reduced the ticket himself to something under 20 over which has been my experience.