Q: I got a reckless driving ticket in January but I'm not too sure if I should admit to it in court.
I was doing donuts in an empty cul-de-sac next to a dirt lot at 2am, the CHP office was pretty close by which is how the got me because my car was really loud and the only one on the road at the time. After I had my fun I start heading home and drove past the office, I see a cop car waiting for me so rather than drive past them I turned on the road they were on, they immediately do a u turn and turn on the lights. The officer ask me wtf I was thinking doing donuts and at first I acted like it wasn't me, he comes back with the ticket and tells me that if I was just honest it would've been a lot better for me. I later told him that I was doing some stupid stuff and they took my car. There is no footage, evidence, or witnesses of what I did so I'm wondering if I can go to trial. My car had expired registration and no insurance which is why I'm debating on fighting it or not because I'm not clear on wether or not they can add other charges after the fact. The date on the ticket is till Aug
A:
The expired tags and no insurance can be added after the fact to the criminal complaint filed by the DA's office but they are infractions and easily correctable ($25 fix it ticket.).
The reckless driving will count 2 points against your record with the DMV just like a DUI.
Regardless of your perception, there was a witness (i.e. the cop). It will be your word against his plus he may have gone back to the scene and taken pics of the doughnuts.
Nevertheless, I suggest you hire a skilled and experienced attorney who may be able to negotiate a plea bargain reducing the reckless driving to another traffic offense which will only count as 1 point on your record.
Joseph Abrams and Mr. Hudson Thomas Bair agree with this answer
A:
MORE FACTS NEEDED.
YOU NEED TO MAKE AN APPT WITH A LOCAL CRIMINAL ATTORNEY OR ASK THE COURT TO APPOINT ONE AT THE ARRAIGNMENT.
THE COP IS A WIT AGAINST YOU. WHETHER DONUTS WHERE YOU WERE DRIVING WOULD BE RECKLESS IS ANOTHER QUESTION.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED TO GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER BEFORE YOU GO TO COURT WITH REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE.
A GOOD LAWYER MAY GET YOU A PLEA TO AN INFRACTION.
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