Expert: William Payne - 6/27/2009

Question
hello, after a few months of having my drivers licence i have recieved my first traffic violation. i am to appear in court within 15 days for the penalties to be issued by a judge for reckless driving. i believe i was charged for reckless driving because i was travelling at nearly 100 miles per hour for a short amount of time on some backroads where i believe the speed limit is 45 mph. i passed a total of 3 vehicles, the first two i passed because they were travelling slow, but my mistake was that i didn't really slow down after i passed them. the third vehicle i passed at about 70.

my question is this: do you have any approximation whatsoever at how much this ticket may be, and what penalties i will, in your opinion, probably be facing? is there a possibility of the charge being reduced?

also, i know you are familiar with the law in, was it south carolina? this did take place in washington but i thought maybe you might still have some insight into the matter.

OH, also, when i do appear in court, do i get an attorney or anything like that to help me out or do i just try to explain everything myself with no counsel?

Answer
Dalton,

Thanks for the question.

Most jurisdictions will allow you to plea to a lesser offense in exchange for a guilty plea. This will reduce the amount of the fine as well or even points assessed against your license.

Some reckless fines can range $125.00 to $2,500.00 dollars. The attorney is your decision, but I see no need for one.

Good luck and best wishes!