[Shotimes] Need advice for SPEEDING TICKET with RECKLESS OP

Ron Porter ronporter@prodigy.net
Sun, 11 Dec 2005 02:37:09 -0500


I hope you didn't admit any speeding to the cop (NEVER admit guilt).......

But, anyway.........IT'S LAWYER TIME!!!!

Even if the lawyers costs $750, if he gets you off with no points, or very
few points, t is well worth it.

Pick a lawyer by reputation if you can, and especially one that is familiar
with that court and/or judge.

I gather by your question that you aren't an NMA member (www.motorists.org).
Kinda late now, but a good idea, anyway.

Ron Porter (Lifetime NMA Member)

-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net [mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of jfkoper1@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 10:35 PM
To: shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: [Shotimes] Need advice for SPEEDING TICKET with RECKLESS OP

Hello everybody,
 
I am not sure how all this works since I've not been in this situation, so I
am open to your advice.
 
No doubt some of you have been in the same situation I am in. I was lasered
at 90 in a 65 zone. Cop decided to add reckless op charge (Ohio Revised Code
section 2511.20 to it (not sure why). I am an OHIO resident and the alleged
infraction occurred in Ohio. 
 
I have no poiints, have had two tix in the past 5 years (speed in
residential areas), so this is my first highway stop. The reckless op is a
minor misdemeanor that is worth 4 points if it cannot be dropped--a BIG
downside for my insurance for the next 3 years. I find it odd that he
clocked me at exactly 90--sounds too convenient. 
 
Weather was cloudy, no rain, good visibilty, light traffic, 4 lane highway.
No accidents caused and no alcohol involved. No swerving, tailgating,
cutting people off--just straight-line driving. I did not have PROOF of
insurance, but I have active coverage. Cop was grumpy.
 
I've consulted several attorneys, and of course, they want to make it sound
like it'd be tough to get the reckless op charge dropped without their help
during the discoverY and plea bargain process. But they are charging $500 to
$750. 
 
I don't contest that I was speeding, but it sure wasn't 90! My main concern
is to get the reckless op dropped and perhaps plea bargain the speed down to
74 or so, since that is what I was doing when I saw him and passed him. 
 
So if YOU have been in this situation or have a legal background, feel free
to offer some tips. Some of the lawyers I've talked with have offered
conflicting advice.
 
What chance is there of the reckless op being dropped? At my summons (first
appearance) I plan to plead not guilty to the alleged charges, so it will go
to a second hearing/trial. The lawyers' advantage seems to be that they can
plea bargain it down so it DOESN'T go to trial. Can a court-appointed lawyer
be provided? Can I plea bargain myself?
 
I've been a nervous wreck contemplating the possiblities of a negative
outcome/verdict. Thanks in advance.
 
Jim K
92 red/black
156,000
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