Q: I was pulled over in Fairfax Virginia for reckless driving ticket of 103mph in a 55 I’m afraid of going to jail I don’t
What to do to avoid jail this is my first ticket I have a clean record please advising what can happen and what should I do
A:
Generally, getting your speedometer tested and completing community service before court can go a long way to helping avoid jail time.
Electing to have a jury trial is also a very good way to typically avoid jail as jurors tend to be less likely to impose incarceration than judges. (That much said a jury trial is only available in circuit court - after a bench trial in the original general district court.)
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A: Jail sentences are commonly imposed at speeds of 100 mph and higher. To improve your chances of a reduced penalty, you could consider performing community service at a charitable institution, proactively taking a driver safety course before the court date, have a calibration done on your vehicle's speedometer, and obtain letters from employers/educators/etc. vouching for your good character (if you perform community service, a manager at the institution you assist might be willing to do this as well). You mentioned that your record is clean, so consider obtaining a copy of your clean DMV transcript to show to the judge (the officer will likely have a copy, too, but it doesn't hurt to have a copy of your own to present). Paint the best picture possible for the judge, and make it clear that you are remorseful and have learned from the incident.
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