EDIT: UPDATE
I had my case. It went alright. I have to say it was scary as fuck though. I have been in court a few times (not for offenses being brought against me but for other reasons) and this was by far the worst.
I lucked out, but the judge was really dropping the hammer.
3 people before me got jail time. Two were clocked at 101 and 98 and got 60 days, a huge (I think $1500) fine, and 6 months of no license. One was at 91 and only got 30 days and a huge fine and I think 3 months suspension.
I was a few back and there were plenty of people who were on for the same offense as I had and most got no relief. I was able to get mine dropped to a traffic speeding violation and no criminal offense but I got hit with a larger fine. In the long run I think it is better.
I just hope that you Virginia'ers can some how get your laws changed... if only for your own sake. No one should go to jail, get a criminal record, or face horrendous fines for speeding. I consent that 100 mph is absurdly dangerous and stupid but is jail time necessary? Since I received the summons I have learned a lot about your laws. Considering the guy who drafted the laws in their current form runs a chain of law firms that specialize in traffic law, something stinks of corruption.
I unfortunately am going to have a hard time avoiding your state, but I promise you that I will NOT be coming back soon, even if it means adding hours on to my trip. I sure that there are some that will say good riddance to me and my quick driving and that is fine. It is your state and if you are comfortable with the laws as they are, more power to you. Thankfully WV is right next door. They have reasonable laws and a 70 mph speed limit.
Good Riddance Virginia.
EDIT Part Duex: To clear up what I imagine will be plenty of comments, I am not avoiding Virginia just to speed. I usually am not a speeder. I might go 5 to 10 mph over to ride with traffic when on interstates. I don't go out of my way to speed like a maniac.
I was traveling with traffic got stuck, tried to pass a truck (and in doing so accelerated) and ended up doing over 80. This is a criminal offense in VA.
I am not taking the risk again. In almost every other state this would have been a 150 dollar fine. Period. VA's laws are not to be triffled with and I will not be risking my future driving in a state where a little mistake like going to fast can end with a criminal record.
I know there were 3-4 different members who were ticketed this summer for Reckless Driving speeding in Virginia.
Anyone have your court date? How did it turn out? Suggestions?
My case is in a week. Just trying to get some info.
Disclaimer: I know this is going to be futile but what the hell... I'd appreciate it if this wasn't turned into a debate about speeding or a thread of "Slow the hell down" or "Speeding Laws Suck". Just want to get some info. I remember quite a few people who were hit by this law and I just want to see if they have any suggestions or updates.
In case you don't know in VA speeding over 80 mph or 20 mph over the posted limit is a class 1 misdemeanor (same as a DWI). It has a big fine and possible jail time.
I'd appreciate it if the posts were kept to information/updates and the trolling was kept to a minimum. Thanks.
I had my case. It went alright. I have to say it was scary as fuck though. I have been in court a few times (not for offenses being brought against me but for other reasons) and this was by far the worst.
I lucked out, but the judge was really dropping the hammer.
3 people before me got jail time. Two were clocked at 101 and 98 and got 60 days, a huge (I think $1500) fine, and 6 months of no license. One was at 91 and only got 30 days and a huge fine and I think 3 months suspension.
I was a few back and there were plenty of people who were on for the same offense as I had and most got no relief. I was able to get mine dropped to a traffic speeding violation and no criminal offense but I got hit with a larger fine. In the long run I think it is better.
I just hope that you Virginia'ers can some how get your laws changed... if only for your own sake. No one should go to jail, get a criminal record, or face horrendous fines for speeding. I consent that 100 mph is absurdly dangerous and stupid but is jail time necessary? Since I received the summons I have learned a lot about your laws. Considering the guy who drafted the laws in their current form runs a chain of law firms that specialize in traffic law, something stinks of corruption.
I unfortunately am going to have a hard time avoiding your state, but I promise you that I will NOT be coming back soon, even if it means adding hours on to my trip. I sure that there are some that will say good riddance to me and my quick driving and that is fine. It is your state and if you are comfortable with the laws as they are, more power to you. Thankfully WV is right next door. They have reasonable laws and a 70 mph speed limit.
Good Riddance Virginia.
EDIT Part Duex: To clear up what I imagine will be plenty of comments, I am not avoiding Virginia just to speed. I usually am not a speeder. I might go 5 to 10 mph over to ride with traffic when on interstates. I don't go out of my way to speed like a maniac.
I was traveling with traffic got stuck, tried to pass a truck (and in doing so accelerated) and ended up doing over 80. This is a criminal offense in VA.
I am not taking the risk again. In almost every other state this would have been a 150 dollar fine. Period. VA's laws are not to be triffled with and I will not be risking my future driving in a state where a little mistake like going to fast can end with a criminal record.
I know there were 3-4 different members who were ticketed this summer for Reckless Driving speeding in Virginia.
Anyone have your court date? How did it turn out? Suggestions?
My case is in a week. Just trying to get some info.
Disclaimer: I know this is going to be futile but what the hell... I'd appreciate it if this wasn't turned into a debate about speeding or a thread of "Slow the hell down" or "Speeding Laws Suck". Just want to get some info. I remember quite a few people who were hit by this law and I just want to see if they have any suggestions or updates.
In case you don't know in VA speeding over 80 mph or 20 mph over the posted limit is a class 1 misdemeanor (same as a DWI). It has a big fine and possible jail time.
I'd appreciate it if the posts were kept to information/updates and the trolling was kept to a minimum. Thanks.
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