Q: Reckless op citation at 17 years old. One prior speeding ticket just a few months after turning 16. What to expect?
I got a speeding ticket for 90 in 55 when I was 16, which I got my license suspended for 6 months. Just got a reckless op ticket at 17 (it has been longer than one year since the speeding ticket). A friend and I were driving two old cars that didn't have exhausts so they were really loud. Drove past someone's house and was hot rodding a small amount (wasn't speeding or racing, but just accelerating a little fast). The person in the house called us in for "racing up and down the street". My friend and I had gone on and parked and were inside the building when a cop pulled up. He got both of us out to the cars and then he gave us reckless op based on the witness statement (he didn't see anything). Should I deny the charges or plead guilty and try to explain what happened to the judge? Also, if I am convicted, what should I expect as far as consequences? Is it possible to get access to the witness' statement or talk to the prosecutor before the court date/trial?
A: Based on your driving history, especially 90 in a 55 (or even 90 in a 70 on the interstate) at age 16, and now reckless operation, the court could determine that you are totally irresponsible, and not mature enough to have a license, and could revoke your license or suspend it for a long time to keep you from killing others on the highway. The court could also put you on probation. Your insurance company might drop you, and other insurance companies might refuse to insure you, and it is illegal to drive without insurance. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to hire an attorney to advise you.
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