Passing through virginia (I-95 S), I thought I got a speeding ticket , but NO !!

It is actually a summons ! and I have to appear in court , what the fuck !! for going 84 in a 65 ... I was just flowing with the traffic .


I am reading online , and this sounds scary , permanent criminal record , jail time . (class one misdemeanor )


So I am supposed to fly from florida now to deal with this ? or hire an attorney , an expense I don't know how I'll manage.

they give you an option to just pay and NOT show up in court. monday morning, i would call the courthouse in that jurisdiction and inquire. tell them you are from out of state, and it would be a hardship to come back.

(actually, it was more than a year, but I didn't figure that out until later)

They gave me 3 days in jail, suspended assuming I didn't get any moving violations within the next year (I didn't). They may do something like that in your case :shrug:

And do it now. Here's a link to a lawyer specializing in Virginia traffic laws. http://www.bobbattlelaw.com/practice_areas/traffic-law-violation.cfm/?gclid=CNOvzfa1zaMCFQIFbAodvlfItw

From the site:

Fact: If you are caught doing above 80 mph on the highways of Virginia, you can and will be charged with Reckless Driving. As has been stated, this is not merely a traffic infraction. It is a criminal offense- a class one misdemeanor- the most serious class of misdemeanor in Virginia! Once convicted, there is no provision under Virginia law for expungement of this charge and you will have a permanent criminal record.

Fact: Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Bob Battle's Firm Defends Hundreds of Virginia and Out-of-State Motorists on their Reckless/Speeding Tickets- Usually Without Their Clients Having to Come to Court

because you drive for a living. I'm glad you posted this. :scared:

I was unaware of this traffic law as well until UtO posted the original post.

You live just up the street (OK freeway) from me and you're a democrat, how rare is that in SW OH. ;)

:hug:

That's what I did after I stupidly went to court without one, was found guilty and had to appeal.

The lawyer eventually got the case thrown out and my driving record is clean as a whistle.

Hire a V.A. lawyer.

you ?

This is such a mess , I could end up with a criminal record now . For going 84 on an Interstate !!!!

you without due process (a court hearing). Most tickets allow the recipient to admit guilt by paying the fine.

My sister got this (she lives in Virginia) and she got POINTS and a fine AND had to go to traffic school. OP needs a lawyer indeed. Virginia is very draconian with this law.

they let you drive away.
dc