Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Accident: Reckless driving in parking lot

I was involved in an accident at a shopping center parking lot. I had stopped at an intersection crossing 2 inbound lanes and 2 outbound lanes. After seeing that the inbound lanes were clear I started across the intersection. As I turned to check the outbound lanes for traffic I was totally blinded by the sun and hit the side of a car that was travelling in the outbound lane. I never saw the car. The police officer that responded to the scene told me he could only issue a ticket for DUI or reckless driving. Since I had not been drinking he charged me with reckless driving (13-1 46.2-864). The charge is described as ''Accident: reckless driving parking lot''. I was completely at fault and do not dispute this. My question is, should I retain a lawyer to go with me to court for this ticket? I have no other tickets on my driving record.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

GR


Asked on 3/05/04, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Accident: Reckless driving in parking lot

Reckless driving(there are around 15 or so differednt kinds recognized in the Commonwealth)is

a jailable offense, which is one reason for you to have a lawyer. The other is that the facts you've described might actually merit a less serious charge for which a competent defense counsel might arrange.

These are two very good reasons for you to retain counsel or request that the court appoint one to represent you in the event that you cannot afford to hire one on your own.

Read more
Answered on 3/05/04, 7:30 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Traffic Law questions and answers in Virginia