What happens when you get reckless driving ticket?

[JEDI]

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine was driving the speed limit (65mph) in medium rain on the highway (I95). I was the passenger.

He hit a puddle, hydroplaned and spun into the guardrail. There was some damage to the front of the car.

he called 911 and a state trooper arrived. after taking our statement, the trooper said the safe speed limit in these conditions is 50mph and give him a reckless driving ticket. The trooper said if he was driving 50mph, he might not have lost control of the car.

court date is in 3 weeks and i'm going with him.

i didn't think my friend was driving too fast in these conditions. my friend isnt worried about it. his has a spotless record.

but i'm curious what happens at traffic court? and what happens if he's found guilty?

 

[Slacker]

I havent had a ticket in many years but usually a first offense can have the fine/points "suspended" for a term of 6 months or a year, meaning if he doesnt get a ticket in that time the charge would be dropped, it is definetly worth checking.

 

[Blastomyces]

He's toast. Obviously 65 is an unsafe speed since he caused himself to get into an accident, and the judge is going to take the policemans word over your friends any day of the week. Isnt in Virginia, going 15 over the "safe speed" a felony?

 

[alm4rr]

ever hear of self-incrimination?

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: JEDI
i didn't think my friend was driving too fast in these conditions. my friend isnt worried about it. his has a spotless record.

The accident sort of negates that.

but i'm curious what happens at traffic court? and what happens if he's found guilty?

I think reckless driving is generally a pretty bad thing. (5 points here in NJ I think)

 

[dartworth]

fine($50-250), court costs, 3 points...