Anybody ever get a reckless driving ticket in NYC?

[Coderedpl]

I got one last month for something that no-one in their complete right and normal state of mind would even consider it reckless and I'm in a damn hole because I don't know if i should be lawyering up here or not. Fee for one of the lawyers i emailed is 2,000$
Situation is this:
Here are links to 2 images showing a screenshot of google maps and my path of travel:




Green is a car that was standing there after light already turned green, signaling left (north),moved later than me, after I was already making the turn stopping for pedestrian...
Dark blue is bus double parked (not moving) (bus next to it was also stopped so there was only one lane of travel) *green on map*
Red is my path of travel.
*
At cross walk i had to STOP for pedestrian to cross and then i proceeded to accelerate down the street to stop at a red light at which i did stop.

The pink summons DOES NOT list any reason of reckless driving and it plain and simply says "reckless driver"

The law says this:

§ 1212. Reckless driving. Reckless driving shall mean driving or using
any motor vehicle, motorcycle or any other vehicle propelled by any
power other than muscular power or any appliance or accessory thereof in
a manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of
the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public
highway. Reckless driving is prohibited. Every person violating this
provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

So now what?

[A4_hustler]

when you made the left, why did you cross all three lanes to get to the right side? i think technically you were supposed to go from the left turn lane to the left most lane on the new street. depending on how fast it looked like when you did that, i could see an officer pulling you over. where was the officer when you did this?

[Coderedpl]

when you made the left, why did you cross all three lanes to get to the right side? i think technically you were supposed to go from the left turn lane to the left most lane on the new street. depending on how fast it looked like when you did that, i could see an officer pulling you over. where was the officer when you did this?

No, i went into the center and then signaled and switched to the rightmost before arriving at the red light. I'm not exactly sure where he was, it was one of those undercovers, but i have a feeling he was somewhere at that same intersection.

[A4_hustler]

the red line you drew makes it look like you went straight into the right lane. if you went into the center, it's less of an error, but man i remember my drivers ed teacher hammering me about left turn into left most lane, right turn into right most lane.

[Coderedpl]

the red line you drew makes it look like you went straight into the right lane. if you went into the center, it's less of an error, but man i remember my drivers ed teacher hammering me about left turn into left most lane, right turn into right most lane.

My mistake on the drawing but I don't think that's what ticked off the cop. I think i will end up trying my chances at the court =/

[Slow4]

Quick question...traffic light was green or did it just turn green when said car and bus were at the intersection?

If it was green and the said car was waiting to make a right (to go NB) and the bus was at the light....then technically, you have yield to the bus before crossing since the bus technically has right of way. Simply, the cop must've seen you come into the turn lane and complete the turn and thought you were barreling through without yeilding to right of way traffic.

The pedestrian crossing causing you to stop probably made the case a little more on his side because he can word it to look like you took a hard turn due to speed and almost ran over the pedestrian.

Just my .02.

[Seerlah]

Why don't you try to get in contact with the officer, to explain the ticket to you? I mean, face to face. During this time, explain yourself and why you don't quite comprhend the reason for the ticket. And then ask if there is any chance to having the charge reduced (ie he shows up for court on that day and you guys work out a plea deal).

[Coderedpl]

Quick question...traffic light was green or did it just turn green when said car and bus were at the intersection?

If it was green and the said car was waiting to make a right (to go NB) and the bus was at the light....then technically, you have yield to the bus before crossing since the bus technically has right of way. Simply, the cop must've seen you come into the turn lane and complete the turn and thought you were barreling through without yeilding to right of way traffic.

The pedestrian crossing causing you to stop probably made the case a little more on his side because he can word it to look like you took a hard turn due to speed and almost ran over the pedestrian.

Just my .02.

Buses were both PARKED. ie; lights off engines off no drivers inside. This happens a lot around the time i go to work.
Light turned green, I moved up slowly to get to the middle portion the intersection, the other driver making a left NORTHbound was standing still so i just made the turn. When i got to cross walk, the pedestrian was crossing from middle towards to where the buses were. So in all honesty, the only lanes i was blocking were the ones the parked buses were in.

Why don't you try to get in contact with the officer, to explain the ticket to you? I mean, face to face. During this time, explain yourself and why you don't quite comprhend the reason for the ticket. And then ask if there is any chance to having the charge reduced (ie he shows up for court on that day and you guys work out a plea deal).

Although it sounds like a good idea, my chances at tracking the officer down are slim-to-none

[Alkivar]

my chances at tracking the officer down are slim-to-none

dont you have the officers name/badge number info on the ticket itself? shouldnt be hard to find them if you know where their station is.

[Coderedpl]

dont you have the officers name/badge number info on the ticket itself? shouldnt be hard to find them if you know where their station is.

Last time i went to that precinct to ask about driveway rules i was ignored to shit and given an ignorant answer that didnt even answer my question.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

The Lord tells He can get me out of this mess. But He's pretty sure you're fooked. /Stephen from Braveheart

But seriously, I'd go to court with a printout of the intersection and explain to the judge your side of things.
Then again, a lawyer can work wonders.

[andresito360]

get a lawyer.. at least that way you might have a better chance of reducing the points.

the idea of contacting the office would be good if it was somewhere else but NYC cops are douche bags.. more so than anywhere else I have encountered a cop

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

just go to court and speak with the prosecutor... if you don't like the deal he gives go get a lawyer... its really simple.

[SMITTY'S A4]

that blows man....call Casey at http://www.speedlaw.net/

[CHEROHALA]

go to court yourself, you dont need a lawyer. have very large and descriptive diagrams (spend some money and have monster size prints) and wear a nice suit (not one they wear in the NBA draft)
Chances are, the NYPD officer doesnt show up the for the 1st hearing which means you have to reschedule and go back. If he doesnt show up the 2nd time, youre off scott free!
The judge will focus on the speed you were driving and whether your actions were caused by the situation your in. Be prepare for the judge side with the police officer BUT he will most likely remove the points and have you just pay the fine. Good luck!

[ENV²]

[Coderedpl]

I guess I should update my own thread. I ended up getting a lawyer and here is the result:

* Ticket #: 4334147483, Original Charge: Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor, 5 pts),
Result: Reduced to Violating State Sanitary Code (0 pts)

Very small fine

[Seerlah]

How much you have to pay in lawyer fees? If you don't want to post it here, can you PM me (if you feel like disclosing that information).

[scotty607]

I got a reckless driving ticket in Brooklyn years back and the cop told me it was a better ticket than a moving violation. I didnt believe him and was angry at the whole ordeal. Here is why he ended up correct. A reckless driving ticket is a misdemeanor and is punished by higher court than traffic court. When I went in with a lawyer I watched it play out to plea down to "disturbing the piece" I think. The Judge asked me if I was a trouble maker and I said never. And $50.00 later I was outa there. However the Lawyer cost me. So I think go to court and fight the ticket as any other. Its no big deal and it doesnt reflect on your driving record.

[Coderedpl]

I got a reckless driving ticket in Brooklyn years back and the cop told me it was a better ticket than a moving violation. I didnt believe him and was angry at the whole ordeal. Here is why he ended up correct. A reckless driving ticket is a misdemeanor and is punished by higher court than traffic court. When I went in with a lawyer I watched it play out to plea down to "disturbing the piece" I think. The Judge asked me if I was a trouble maker and I said never. And $50.00 later I was outa there. However the Lawyer cost me. So I think go to court and fight the ticket as any other. Its no big deal and it doesnt reflect on your driving record.

Read above. I got a lawyer and it was settled.

[Seerlah]

I got pulled over twice today by state troopres, with maybe a 1 min window before I was pulled over the second time. The boys really needed to meet their quota or something.

-First time I got pulled over was more than justified. He had me doing 80 in a 55, which I really was doing. But he was cool. I told how I was a PBA member last year, took my sticker off my car when 2012 came around, showed him my 2011 PBA card, explained to him how I came to aquire it, and he let me go. I would had easily taken my ticket, because it was really justified. But he was kind enough to let me go and tell me to take it slower, which I obliged to doing. And it felt funny driving slow. I mean, people were actually passing me. Wierd stuff man, I tell ya!

-Second state boy had me pretty perturbed. Mainly, because he kept trying to find something to arrest me for after pulling me over. And guy looked like he was my age. I always show respect to all people, no matter what religion, race, belief, looks, flaws (what you may consider a flaw of yourself, yet I don't), thought process, occupation, etc. But this guy reminded me why I will always have that little sweet spot in my heart, for my right to Hate Cops!!! He eventually did not end up giving me a ticket after I explained to him that I got pulled over like 1 mile back. But that was not till after the harrassment (yes, it really is harrassment). And he asked me questions I really feel I did not need to answer, yet I did anyways (yes, I'm not going to make a bad situation worse). I was on my way to ship a package to India, and he really did not need to know who I was sending it too, how I met that person, etc. I mean, WTF???? I really wanted to say "None of your God Damn business, officer". Oh, and he pulled me over for my window tint. I live in NY. Like a good 30% of the vehicles on the road has window tint (30% may not sound like a lot, but it is). I have no idea how many cars passed us that had window tint...way darker than mine (35% tint).

Anyways, just happy I ended up with no tickets. But I def recieved a good amount of frustration for the day. Just felt like sharing. And watch karma come back and get me for writing this post. I swear!

[Coderedpl]

I got pulled over twice today by state troopres, with maybe a 1 min window before I was pulled over the second time. The boys really needed to meet their quota or something.

-First time I got pulled over was more than justified. He had me doing 80 in a 55, which I really was doing. But he was cool. I told how I was a PBA member last year, took my sticker off my car when 2012 came around, showed him my 2011 PBA card, explained to him how I came to aquire it, and he let me go. I would had easily taken my ticket, because it was really justified. But he was kind enough to let me go and tell me to take it slower, which I obliged to doing. And it felt funny driving slow. I mean, people were actually passing me. Wierd stuff man, I tell ya!

-Second state boy had me pretty perturbed. Mainly, because he kept trying to find something to arrest me for after pulling me over. And guy looked like he was my age. I always show respect to all people, no matter what religion, race, belief, looks, flaws (what you may consider a flaw of yourself, yet I don't), thought process, occupation, etc. But this guy reminded me why I will always have that little sweet spot in my heart, for my right to Hate Cops!!! He eventually did not end up giving me a ticket after I explained to him that I got pulled over like 1 mile back. But that was not till after the harrassment (yes, it really is harrassment). And he asked me questions I really feel I did not need to answer, yet I did anyways (yes, I'm not going to make a bad situation worse). I was on my way to ship a package to India, and he really did not need to know who I was sending it too, how I met that person, etc. I mean, WTF???? I really wanted to say "None of your God Damn business, officer". Oh, and he pulled me over for my window tint. I live in NY. Like a good 30% of the vehicles on the road has window tint (30% may not sound like a lot, but it is). I have no idea how many cars passed us that had window tint...way darker than mine (35% tint).

Anyways, just happy I ended up with no tickets. But I def recieved a good amount of frustration for the day. Just felt like sharing. And watch karma come back and get me for writing this post. I swear!

I would of told him those questions have nothing to do with the reason why he pulled me over. Want to put me in cuffs go ahead, but if I'm not mistaken they have a video recorder with audio running and believe me I would raise fucking hell. Its just harder to do such a thing with local cops as they don't have video so its your word via theirs.

[Seerlah]

I learned my lesson with authority figures growing up that you basically let them be pricks or nice gentlemen simply doing their job. They will be one of the other, no matter how polite and respectfull you are. I learned over the years to not give them an attitude (as much as it may seem that they just need their cooters touched) and it will all be over sooner than later (most cases anyways). And when it is, deal with the situation they presented to you thereafter. But in the meantime, be as cordial as possible and try your hardest to avoid any tickets or complications. In a nutshell, be as polite as you can be, even if they are not granting that same respect.

[Coderedpl]

I learned my lesson with authority figures growing up that you basically let them be pricks or nice gentlemen simply doing their job. They will be one of the other, no matter how polite and respectfull you are. I learned over the years to not give them an attitude (as much as it may seem that they just need their cooters touched) and it will all be over sooner than later (most cases anyways). And when it is, deal with the situation they presented to you thereafter. But in the meantime, be as cordial as possible and try your hardest to avoid any tickets or complications. In a nutshell, be as polite as you can be, even if they are not granting that same respect.

Some of them really like to push others buttons though. Hard to believe they dont get reported for it and/or fired

[Seerlah]

I went to the local dept over here before to file a complaint on a patrol officer. If they cause that much of a hassle, ask them for their badge number (which they are obliged to do. if they don't, be sure to get his squad car number and cause some real issues with his record when you file the complaint). Some of them will catch an attitude as if your complaint does not have a devastating affect on their record...but it does. Just like any job when you get a complaint. They aren't good to have.

Anyways, seems the Captain over there are and that particular officer are good freinds. He coaxed me out of making a complaint (just thought about it, and I def should have still filed it), and I agreed under one condition. That he talk to him about being more polite and basically not be a prick. He said he will be sure to do it, and probably thanked me for not filing a complaint on him (can't remember). Moral of the story, don't be afraid to ask for a badge number and file the complaint. The cop will act like a bigger *** when you ask for the badge number. But be sure to file a complaint.

[NYSpeedRacer]

I hate to bust your bubble, but if I remember correctly, NYC don't reduce fines and/or points like other counties in the State. The last time I got a ticket was going 60mph in a 45mph zone and this was on the BQE!

Generally, there isn't a prosecutor, just the administration judge and no "pre-trial" conferencing deals like other counties and states.

In NYC, you're either Guilty or Not.

My best bet would be to keep adjourning the case and hopefully the office won't show up. However, there's been a new rule within the NYPD that if an officer doesn't show up or write a BS ticket they can get penalized by their CO or Judge as a way to reduce tickets...

Hopefully, you won't get pulled over, but the next time you do, try to get out of the ticket before getting it.

[Coderedpl]

I hate to bust your bubble, but if I remember correctly, NYC don't reduce fines and/or points like other counties in the State. The last time I got a ticket was going 60mph in a 45mph zone and this was on the BQE!

Generally, there isn't a prosecutor, just the administration judge and no "pre-trial" conferencing deals like other counties and states.

In NYC, you're either Guilty or Not.

My best bet would be to keep adjourning the case and hopefully the office won't show up. However, there's been a new rule within the NYPD that if an officer doesn't show up or write a BS ticket they can get penalized by their CO or Judge as a way to reduce tickets...

Hopefully, you won't get pulled over, but the next time you do, try to get out of the ticket before getting it.

This was a reckless driving ticket vs a speeding. There is no plea-deal in NYC for the most part. but the reckless was handled at a criminal court vs the speeding at the TVB i believe.

I have a speeding ticket pending aswell that i got on the GCP

[IGottaP]

i got one they threw it out no points no nothing they just told me to not get pulled over for 6 months slap on the wrist really

[Coderedpl]

i got one they threw it out no points no nothing they just told me to not get pulled over for 6 months slap on the wrist really

Knowing my luck....I will be.