Ok just got a ticket...

[hworang00]

ok so I was driving and I was about to go through an intersection but at the last minute I was told I had to go left so I turned abruptly, turned into the Wendy's about half a mile up the road. After we order the food and get it then as I'm about to pull out of the parking lot, I get pulled over. He says I was reckless driving. He treats me like a person with a weapon, which is ok, protocol is protocol. Then he gives me a ticket for careless driving. On the ticket he states "Rapid acceleration through left turn from Clinton Parkway onto 80 East." He was really curt and abrasive. I wouldn't say he was mean or a dick or anything, he was just really short. This is in MS, and I have an NC license. The issue is that he took my license and said that the ticket would serve as my license until I take care of it. So...anyone from MS or know anything about this case can help me out? He didn't check speeding or anything, just careless driving, and in MS it's a fine of 5-50 bucks not a big deal just don't want my points to go up. If you need anymore info let me know and I appreciate it guys!

PS: this isn't a cops suck thread, I respect and appreciate cops. So let's keep that to a minimum. Thanks!

[yage202]

If the cost is no big deal for you, check to see if MS has a compact with NC. If not, no points will be applied to your record. Then check into the National Motorists Association. This group is great for pointing you in the right direction ( http://www.motorists.org/). Finally, if none of that helps its time to hire a lawyer. Reckless driving tickets are just short of tickets given for causing people and/or property damage. If your insurer finds out, you might be fracked!

Shameless plug on. This group is great, http://www.motorists.org/. They are one of the principle reasons we aren't still all driving 55 mph on every interstate. Shameless plug off. While not a current member I have been a member off and on for close to 20 years.

[Sticky]

If the cost is no big deal for you, check to see if MS has a compact with NC. If not, no points will be applied to your record. Then check into the National Motorists Association. This group is great for pointing you in the right direction ( http://www.motorists.org/). Finally, if none of that helps its time to hire a lawyer. Reckless driving tickets are just short of tickets given for causing people and/or property damage. If your insurer finds out, you might be fracked!

Shameless plug on. This group is great, http://www.motorists.org/. They are one of the principle reasons we aren't still all driving 55 mph on every interstate. Shameless plug off. While not a current member I have been a member off and on for close to 20 years.

Really nice post!

[hworang00]

Thanas! From what I understand, careless driving is not the same as in most states. There is a reckless driving offense and careless driving offense. I don't know where to find out about the points thing...and I would rather not pay to be a part of the motorists website, even though it seems very helpful! I have contacted a lawyer about a free consult so we'l see what happens. I'm just pissed he took my license...I can't go out at all now...it's stupid...in addition, he said I'd be arrested if I didn't give up my license, and although in reckless driving it talks about incarceration, there's no such mention on the careless driving statute...I don't know...feel like he was a douche...

Just joined the NMA, because it's free to join...about to talk with a ticket advice guy on there...wish the freaking lawyer would call me back...


SEC. 63-3-1213. Careless driving
Any person who drives any vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corner, traffic and use of the streets and highways and all other attendant circumstances is guilty of careless driving. Careless driving shall be considered a lesser offense than reckless driving.

Every person convicted of careless driving shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) nor more than Fifty Dollars ($50.00).

SEC. 63-3-1201. Reckless driving.
Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a wilful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Reckless driving shall be considered a greater offense than careless driving.

Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished upon a first conviction by a fine of not less than Five Dollars ($5.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), and on a second or subsequent conviction he may be punished by imprisonment for not more than ten (10) days or by a fine of not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both.