Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Re: Reckless in Dinwiddie

If you are unable to secure competent defense counsel prior to your hearing on April 22, 2004,and for whatever reason do not wish to or are unable to secure a continuance in the matter, your best approach is one that you've already alluded to, i.e, approach the prosecutor assigned to your case before court convenes, reiterate(politely) your contention that you were not going anywhere near the speed charged(and any credible reasons you may have in support of this belief), and then express your willingness to enter a plea of guilty to the charge of improper driving found in the Va.Traffic Code at S46.2-869, which is a traffic infraction as opposed to a jailable misdemeanor offense, punishable by a fine of not more than $500.

Improper driving is a disposition which may be recognized as appropriate for any of the 15 or so different kinds of reckless driving enumerated in the code "where the degree of culpability is slight", the court has the discretionary authority to accept a disposition involving the above referenced lesser charge.(The consequences for your insurance premiums will also be far less serious by your plea to this lesser charge.)

Your willingness to attend a driver improvement program could also be offered to the prosecutor as an added inducement to secure her agreement to this plea bargain.

Re: Reckless in Dinwiddie

You have the right ideas. It is not too late

to get an attorney, but you should act

immediately. Call the bar association in your County

to get a referral. You could also use the internet

to find an attorney. It is very possible the charges will be reduced if you agree to take a safe driving course

or for some other reason. Also your court date can be continued for you to find an attorney.

YOu should file a Continuance request right away with the court

if you need more time.