The stakes are just too high.
DO THE MATH—saying you cannot afford to hire a lawyer for your reckless driving (by speed) charge may be very expensive
Bob Keefer started practicing law in Virginia in 1983. During that time he has helped thousands of motorists charged with this serious Class One criminal misdemeanor offense have their charge reduced to a traffic infraction or dismissed. Often he has been able to accomplish this without the accused even coming to court.
Recently Bob spoke with a young lady charge with reckless driving by speed in Shenandoah County, Virginia. She had been told by someone that she should appear on her own, plead guilty and then ask for a reduction. In Bob’s experience, 100% of persons who plead guilty are found guilty. She was no exception. With a competent lawyer, such cases are usually reduced or continued and then dismissed upon completion of driver improvement and good behavior.
Bob has seen other people that contacted him attempt to represent themselves in Court. It is usually unsuccessful if for no other reason than the accused did not understand how the Court works.
What most accused persons do not realize is that most Judges view their mandate from the Virginia General Assembly as an umpire, not an advocate for the accused. If the evidence shows you were doing 81 mph or more in a 65 you will be convicted as charged. You need an attorney to increase your chances of a much different result.
Once convicted the cost to the motorist is:
1. A permanent criminal record;
2. Fines and costs;
3. Increased insurance—approximately $3,000 over three years, if the Judge suspends the person’s license the insurance consequences are greater;
4. 6 points on a Virginia Driving Record and transferable offense to his or her state of licensure;
5. Loss of one or two days of work; and,
6. Loss of job or potential job due to criminal record: possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars.
|
|