Reckless driving in virginia?

[melville]

I was driving back to Norfolk, VA from DC when I visited my sister. I was on i95 south when I got pulled over for speeding. I was going 88 on a 70, so the officer ruled it as reckless driving on violation with the state law. It was March 27th 2011 sunday when it happened. It was my first time ever driving long distance and on long interstates. Its not that I wanted to speed, it was just that every one else was speeding, cars were tail gating me because I was initially driving slow so I just decided to keep up with the traffic. Now I have gotten pulled over for speeding December of 2010 too but it wasn't reckless and it was just city traffic violation. I had prepaid it and decided not to fight it. I don't know how I'm going to fight this one or come about with it. I obviously don't want this to get any more serious and be charged with anything heavy. I'm only 20 and I'm conserned that this will hurt me a lot. I'm trying to see if I could qualify for a public defender instead of getting a lawyer because well lawyer charges a lot. Could I do without a lawyer? What are the difference between the two. And exactly what am I in for? I'm open to answers and opinion. I need facts and help! Thank you a lot and I appreciate the advice.

[christie42]

Reckless driving is a criminal offense. I would not recommend trying to defend this on your own. This is a crime which will stay on your record and will forever affect your insurance rates. I would recommend an attorney.

[weiford]

Attorneys are not that expensive, and could save you some serious headaches and a lot of money.

Because you are young, and have a recent speeding ticket on your record, a judge may not be sympathetic or lenient if you go in there yourself. He could very easily convict you of the criminal charge, and you could face thousands of dollars in fees and fines, a criminal record, and even jail time.

It's not worth it to risk saving a few hundred bucks on an attorney when you are facing this.

Call several attorneys who do a lot of reckless driving cases and speak to someone who is familiar with the court where you are scheduled to appear.