Many clients want to take steps before court to ensure the best possible outcome. This list provides an idea of some things you can do before court to help your case. Like everything in law, this list isn’t appropriate for every case. You should talk to a Fairfax Reckless Driving lawyer before doing anything with your case.
1) Know your driving record
The outcome of almost every Fairfax reckless driving case will vary depending on the driver’s record. People who are good drivers get better results than people who are bad drivers. Knowing exactly what appears on your record is an important starting point for creating an effective strategy. The officer who wrote the ticket is likely going to bring a copy of the record to court. It is important that we know exactly what is on your record.
2) Get your speedometer calibrated
If your speedometer is inaccurate many judges will factor that in and be more lenient. It’s not always guaranteed to get a reduction but many times having a calibration can beneficial. There are a number of locations in the Fairfax area that provide this service for a fee. The calibration will show if your speedometer was not working properly. It will also show how many miles per hour the speedometer is off. During a free consultation we will be happy to provide you with information on where and how to get your speedometer calibrated.
3) Set Your Expectations
On your court date, your Fairfax reckless driving lawyer will meet with the Prosecutor and get a plea offer. A plea offer is negotiated and states what will happen if you agree to plead guilty. The offer may call for a reduction in the charge. It is important that you work with you attorney before court to determine what types of offers you will reject and which you will accept. If your decision requires you to talk to your employer or your insurance company, it’s important you do this before going to court.
4) Talk to an Experienced Lawyer
Even if you think you were going the speed the officer says you were going DO NOT PLEAD GUILTY BEFORE TALKING TO A LAWYER. Even if you are guilty a good lawyer will work to make sure you get the best possible result. At a bare minimum talking to a lawyer will tell you what a fair result would be for your case. Between fees, fines, and a possible loss of license it makes sense to spend a few minutes to learn your rights. Faraji Rosenthall has handled thousands of Reckless driving cases in Fairfax County.
5) Take a Driver Improvement Class (In Certain Cases)
A driver improvement class can be a good way to improve your case. Driver Improvement classes can be found on the DMV’s website and can be completed in person or online. They show the judge and the prosecutor that you are working to improve your driving behavior. A class will also improve your driving record. However, taking a class is not always beneficial. You should talk to an attorney before you enroll in any driver improvement class.
