Q: Facing potential punishment for failure to control with prior moving violation in Ohio, no injuries, incident captured on cameras.
I am 17 and will be turning 18 in 3 days. I have one prior moving violation from nearly two years ago. Recently, I received a ticket for failure to control, and both cars involved in the accident were totaled. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but there were ring doorbell cameras that captured the incident. What kind of punishment am I potentially facing for this violation in Ohio?
A:
In Ohio, a "failure to control" ticket typically results in fines and points on your driving record. Since you're a young driver with a prior moving violation, the consequences may be more severe, but the fact that no one was injured can work in your favor. The presence of video footage from the ring doorbell cameras may be used as evidence, so it's important to review it and be prepared for what it might show.
As a 17-year-old, you’re still considered a minor, but since you'll be turning 18 soon, the penalties might shift toward adult consequences. If this is your second moving violation, there could be additional fines or even a suspension of your driver's license, especially if the court determines that your driving behavior contributed to the accident. However, since there were no injuries and the incident was captured, the outcome may be less severe if you show remorse and take responsibility.
It's a good idea to speak with the court about the situation and see if you can mitigate the punishment. You might be able to attend a defensive driving course or enter a plea deal that reduces the penalty. If you're unsure about how to proceed, consulting with someone who understands the legal process in Ohio could help you navigate this more effectively.
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