Help Please! Reckless and Careless Driving in VA?

Question

I was recently pulled over/charged with reckless and careless driving while on the Dulles Airport Road in Virginia. I'm only 16 and I'm wondering what exactly I can do to get rid of this. I have a clean record and I was going 86 in a 55 zone, but my vehicle is old and could be calibrated wrong. How many mph can a speedometer be calibrated wrong? Also, what are the chances that they reduce it to an "improper driving" charge is I take a drivers improvement course, show them my report card, etc.? Also, what are some other things I can do to reduce this punishment?

Thanks,

Matt

Answer 1

Slow Down

Answer 2

automatic jail time for driving over 80 in the state of VA.  

Answer 3

ah yes, the ol' "could be calibrated wrong" excuse

lol, i remember those days. Having a clean driving record at 16 isnt much of a feat. If you tried arguing that your speedometer wasn't "calibrated" correctly with the cop on the road, they would just right out a ticket for driving with defective equipment. How old of a car are we talking? Because I was in a 67 Mustang and the speedo was still spot on... I'm sorry but I smell a bagged lunch with a balogna sandwich kid

You can try requesting a court date, but because of your age I HIGHLY doubt they would cut you a break, especially with how much you were going over the limit.

If you really have the need for speed just go to a track, you can go as fast as you want for $30 bucks all day, and not get a ticket

what do you drive?

Answer 4

Take the car to a shop and get the problem fixed, and have signed papers from the Mechanic or whoever worked on your car stating something was wrong with it.  Show it to the judge.  He'll probably lessen what little fine you'll get.

Answer 5

If I get your statement correct ... you can not tell the difference between 86 MPH and 55 MPH without the speedometer ... would that be a fair statement?  Did you honestly believe that you were going 55 when you were doing 86?  I think, if you are really honest with yourself, that you won't believe this either.  

Sorry, I don't buy that, and neither will a judge!  31MPH over the limit is way too fast!  You can try having your speedometer calibrated and taking the paperwork to the judge, I expect that won't do a lot of good, but it might help.

I'd be checking with your friends that have licenses to see if you can catch a ride with them, your license will most likely be suspended for a long time when you go to court.