I just got summoned to appear in court for a reckless driving complaint. What should I do?

Question

I have absolutely NO idea what I did wrong, I don't even know where I did this, but all I know is, I got a ticket in the mail saying that I have to appear in court for a reckless driving complaint, and I now know that it's a 5 point violation, and I don't even know what I did wrong, or where to even go from here. I wasn't speeding, I wasn't driving in a bad way, I don't even know what's going on right now, all I know is I'm confused as to what steps I should take.

1)I should definitely hire a lawyer for this, but its not a trial, its just for a plea,but I'm confused as to what evidence the other person has to be able to drag me into court for this?

Surveillance camera, picture, I don't know.

But I'm nervous because I have absolutely NO idea what it could be.

Do people REALLY waste their life dragging other people into court like this?

This is just unbelievably insane.

This seems like a pretty major charge, and I REALLY don't feel that I did anything wrong.

What's the best and worst case scenario on this and....what should I DO?

I feel like some disgruntled person just tried to take me to court for whatever reason I don't know.

Answer 1

go

Answer 2

Get a lawyer.  If this is a misdemeanor offense, you can get a public defender, but I wouldn't rely upon one if you can avoid it.

This is not something given to you by another person.  An officer of the law had to have witnessed this or you were caught by photo radar significantly exceeding the speed limit.

Answer 3

If you received a summons in the mail, it didn't come from any disgruntled person. Chances are, you share the same name with someone who really did get a ticket OR a person who got a ticket once lived at your address.

You should show up at court and explain the situation to the judge. If you don't, you risk a default judgement against you.

Answer 4

Hire an attorney.  He or she can find out the exact nature of the complaint against you.  It could be a mistake.

Answer 5

There should be a phone number listed on your ticket, call it and ask how you got this ticket. If there is no number, look it up in the phone book under city, state, county or whatever jurisdiction the ticket says.

I believe they have to give you the information when you call.

(you can produce all kinds of documents on the computer now, maybe someone is messing with you)

But, in any case I would definitely call and ask what's up.

Answer 6

pray that you get a sympathetic judge.  remember to act innocent in court (since you are).  judge absolutely abhor indignant defendants.  if they have evidence against you then perhaps its time to own up to it and apologize sincerely (or pretend to).

Answer 7

Chances are that it was a traffic cam that got you!

I don't know about your state, but where I live the phone number will be on the ticket to call for information. After you get that info depending on the circumstances, you may want a lawyer.

Being that a ticket has been issued, it wasn't by a citizen but a camera. Had it been a complaint from a citizen mostlaw inforcement would have interveiwed you before one was issued.

Answer 8

1. Go to the court date and enter a plea of NOT GUILTY

2. Before there is a trial the state will have to hold a probable cause hearing showing their evidence. at this point u still do not need a lawyer. u can be pro se (for self)

3 decide after hearing the states evidence if you think its fightable. take the transcript of that hearing to various lawyers and ask what they think.  

4. Remember u can always change ur plea anytime but pleading not guilty at the beginning will get the ball rolling

5. Try to follow the rules of the road and not drive crazy!!!!!

Answer 9

Check where the letter came from and enquire as to when and where the offence took place,also enquire if they are sure of the facts,regarding name/address/licence plate.  

I would have thought reckless driving was a police matter,ask at your local nick if they have a record

Answer 10

If it has anything to do with that crazy reckless guy, you should probably get a lawyer, he probably wrote down your license #. the sad thing is that whoever gets the law involved first usually has the upper hand in a situation. the best thing (well the only good thing) about this is that the next time some assjerk is tailing you and blaring on his horn you can just write down his plate and call him out.

Answer 11

If you have the money to hire a lawyer, I suggest you do so. It will be worth it in the long run.