Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Today I was in a car accident due to lack of attention. My children were messing with the DVD player causing me to turn around for a brief moment unaware that the cars in front of me came to a stop. The police officer summoned me to appear at court with the charge of "Reckless Driving-Inattention." I have never been in court, and I believe I am guilty for the lack of attention to the road for a moment, but I am wondering if I should plea guilty and pay the fine, or say no contest? I don't know what the fine will be, either. But I'm not entirely sure what no contest will even do for me. What should I do when I plead in court? Thank you!


Asked on 4/14/11, 6:31 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Erin Ranney Erin L. T. Ranney, PLLC

Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor which carries serious consequences for you license and insurance beyond just paying a fine. You also have potential civil issues to worry about iif you plea guilty. You may want to consider consulting with an attorney.

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Answered on 4/14/11, 6:36 pm
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Under no circumstances should you agree to plead guilty to reckless driving under the facts described.

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Answered on 4/16/11, 1:55 pm


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