Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

I got into some serious legal shtein early this morning around 2:30ish. I was chilling at my friend Kory's house and he got a phone call from another friend, and his friend told him that this chick we knew (Felicia) was on the phone with her a few minutes ago and it sounded like she had od'd on some drugs again. We tried contacting her by phone, but she didn't pick up, so Kory and I decided we should drive up to Falls Church and check up on her to see if she's ok.

Well, I was on 395 near Woodbridge, and everyone was going about 80 even though the speed limit was 60, and for about 5 seconds I decided it wouldn't hurt to go 90, since I've never done anything like that before and I decided it couldn't hurt. Well, needless to say, I got pulled over and the state trooper clocked me at 90 in a 60. It said I have to appear in court to defend this charge of reckless driving.

So now I have a court date set for September 5th, and I was online looking at things, and my dad told me because I got pulled over for speeding in a highway safety corridor $500 would be added to my fine in addition to the speeding ticket. I looked at this site my friend showed me and it said because of the new laws Virginia passed that went into effect July 1st, I could be paying anywhere from 500-1500 basically. This is my first offense, I've never been pulled over for anything before and I don't have a criminal record.

Do you guys have any advice for me? I told the trooper that I didn't need him to call for an ambulance to send to my friends house, because I would probably get in trouble if she wasn't od'ing, and if she was od'ing then she would get in deep shit. She's od'd like once in the past before but me and my friends went to her house and helped her out, we went online and got advice and we stayed with her throughout the night until she was able to calm down.

I don't know how i'm gonna be able to pay this fine, I'm working at Domino's right now but when I go to work on Sunday there's a very good chance i'm gonna get laid off because they drastically cut back my hours and they don't have a need for 2 out of the 3 CSR's that work there. I need a new job but i don't know how i'm gonna be able to pay for a fine that huge.

Re: So
 

Your definitely going to need a lawyer if you want to beat the new July 1st extra fines. The $500 for highway safety corridor your probably screwed unless the lawyer can get it reduced. Here in Richmond 2 judges have found that new law unconstitional... [url=http://www.nbc12.com/news/state/8895992.html]Second judge finds ‘abusive driver fees’ unconstitutional | NBC12 | Virginia News[/url]
If I were you I would at least consult a lawyer, most will at least hear what you have to say for free. Good luck and did she OD or what? What kinda drugs we talking about? Just curious.

Re: So
 

Mooby, you got to have a better thread title than "So"

Tell me what you want it to be and I'll make the change for you

Re: So
 

How about "I got in to some legal trouble and need some adivce"

Re: So
 

@SS: lol yeah, my thread title wasn't creative at all. Change it to "I need advice for legal trouble" I guess.

@Warpath: Nope, it turns out she was just really high on pot. I'm extremely pissed at her right now, if she hadn't gotten high her friend wouldn't have called my friend, and I wouldn't be in legal trouble now. I've had several discussions with her about smoking pot in the past, because I disapprove of it, but she hasn't changed. I'm pretty much gonna disassociate myself from her now because of this, unless she decides to change for good.

Re: So
 

I personally do not think you can OD on pot. It really sucks that your up the creek in legal trouble over a chick that smoked some pot. Any other drug I'd say maybe it was worth it to save a friends life, but come on man its pot.

[url=http://www.drug-overdose.com/marijuana.htm]marijuana overdose by drug overdose.com[/url]
Marijuana Overdose
The Drug Awareness Warning Network Annual Report, published by the US federal government contains a statistical compilation of all drug deaths which occur in the United States. According to this report, there has never been a death recorded from the use of marijuana by natural causes. Unlike opiates, barbiturates or amphetamines, there seems to be little risk from the use of large amounts of marijuana. When a person smokes too much they feel very tired and lie down. When people swallow large amounts of hashish, occasionally they get sick to their stomach.

Marijuana's effect on the user depends on the strength or potency of the THC it contains. THC potency has increased since the 1970s but has been about the same since the mid-1980s. The strength of the drug is measured by the average amount of THC in test samples confiscated by law enforcement agencies. THC is the chemical in marijuana which makes you feel "high" (which means experiencing a change in mood and seeing or feeling things differently). Certain parts of the plant contain higher levels of THC. The flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves.

Re: So
 

Yeah there's no way a person can OD on pot. If I had known it was pot she would've been on her own. The one time she did od before she had done pot, some coke, as well as a more than a few pills. That's what she had told me when she was back to normal again.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Let me get this, you helped your friend who has a serious drug problem by not calling an ambulance because that would mean you would get into trouble if she wasn't? Aren't you a wonderful friend.

If I were in your position, I would have told the officer the whole story AND ask for their assistance (probably called the ambulance ahead of time). Hell, I would have even asked the officer to escort me to my friends house. You on the other hand compounded your problems my friend. When you show up to court you're not credible at all. My advice, hire a lawyer because the judge isn't going to buy any koolaid from you and the fines might be the least of your worries. 90 mph is reckless driving territory.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

This is the first I've actually read this thread and I got to say I agree with Saden. You should have sought the officer's assistance. I mean clearly she needs help if this wasn't the first time she OD'd on various drugs. And if she didn't this time. So what? You didn't know that on your way there. And the idea that you didn't want to say anything because if she wasn't OD'ing then she'd be in deep shit doesn't make sense to me quite honestly. Better to be in deep shit than deep sixed.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Yeah I know, honestly i've made some stupid decisions in the past and that has ranked up there at the top with them. My parents had the same sentiment. I honestly figured if she had od'd again then me and my friends would do what we had done before and she would get better. She hasn't been into rehab but she's been in mental institutions for suicidal reasons. I admit that it's pretty much my fault that I am in this mess.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

You realize when you "OD" on drugs that it isn't like having hangover? You need medical assistance or you have a good chance of dying. As in dead. I doubt your friend has ever ODed. Rather she was just seriously f*cked up. All in all I find your reluctance to really help your friend really reduces my sympathy for you here. If you wanted to help her you would get her ass nailed instead of enabling her. I can't believe the cop was so non-chalant when you told them about her. Good cop.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

I'm not looking for sympathy I'm just looking for legal advice. This is my first run in with the law ever and hopefully it's my last. And who knows, perhaps she was seriously fucked up or she od'd, I don't have a meter that judges how close a person is to dying when they do drugs. The only reason I posted this was because a lot of members on this forum are a lot older, wiser, and more experienced when it comes to the law than I am. If you guys wish to chastise me about how stupid I am when it comes to helping out my friends, ok.

I respect your opinions and as different as they might be than mine, I realize that everyone is entitled to their own. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed as evidenced by how I screwed this up, and it's probably gonna be evidenced in the future because now I have to pay a lot of money that I don't have.

I knew that by posting this, I opened myself to the opinions of the board members. I've read the Hessy vs. Schneed threads and I've learned from them. If you guys do not wish to help me then that is fine and dandy.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[QUOTE=mooby;336125]I'm not looking for sympathy I'm just looking for legal advice. This is my first run in with the law ever and hopefully it's my last. And who knows, perhaps she was seriously fucked up or she od'd, I don't have a meter that judges how close a person is to dying when they do drugs. The only reason I posted this was because a lot of members on this forum are a lot older, wiser, and more experienced when it comes to the law than I am. If you guys wish to chastise me about how stupid I am when it comes to helping out my friends, ok.

I respect your opinions and as different as they might be than mine, I realize that everyone is entitled to their own. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed as evidenced by how I screwed this up, and it's probably gonna be evidenced in the future because now I have to pay a lot of money that I don't have.

I knew that by posting this, I opened myself to the opinions of the board members. I've read the Hessy vs. Schneed threads and I've learned from them. If you guys do not wish to help me then that is fine and dandy.[/QUOTE]

I don't know that people are trying to chastise you per se. I'm sure you meant and thought you were doing the right thing.

I can't speak to the legal help. I can speak to helping someone out who has a drug problem. And the best advice I (and I think others) can offer is that you don't need to "protect" your friends by doing nothing. Well not "nothing", but I think you know what I mean. I learned this the hard way.

Again, as for the legal advice I'd save that to others to offer.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

i don't think mooby was at all "reluctant" to help out a friend. I mean, put yourself in his situation, i know i can. I can't say what i would have done because i don't know the whole situation. I mean, if i was worried i probably wouldn't call the cops before i called a friend. Calling the cops puts your friend introuble. Obviously your friend would rather live than be in a bit of trouble (That is the stuff RAs tell you on your first day of college) but its a lot easier said than done. All i am saying is that we all could say that we would call the police but when the time comes maybe we wouldn't. If I was sure my friend was dying I would make sure to call 911, obviously. Its just not so black and white as that. Also mooby seems to be taking a lot of the responsibility so lets not be so hard on him. SHit i know that same situation could happen to me any day, especially when i'm at school.

Like there was some kid that got f..ed up drinking too much at school early in the year. His friends called 911 and he got better. However, I am pretty sure i heard he got kicked out of housing. Where as if they gave him water and watched over him he wouldn't get in any trouble at all. I mean, that is a dumb ass rule. It makes kids not want to ask for help in fear of being in trouble. Also, for me at least, taking the blame and consequences of your actions is easier than your actions effecting other people. Now i am not positive that he got kicked out but i am pretty sure he did. Also this was 9, 10 months ago so i forget much of it.


I'm still agree 100% that if you are worried about a friends life then the trouble they get into is nothing compared to what can happen. Even if it is as low as 5%. The risk isn't worth it. I mean i've had this discussion with friends. Its the friends fault for putting the other friend in that position and if they are unhappy with the decision they only have their dumbass self to blame. I just feel when the time comes it is not so easy.


Unfortunatley mooby i don't know what kind of stuff you'll be facing so i can't help but good luck and your friend is lucky to have a friend like you.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Thank you Smootsmack. Clearly I am learning this the hard way, and I can see how you could say that I was doing "nothing", but I felt at the moment that I was trying to do something by driving up there to help her out. I care about my friends a lot, and I wouldn't have been driving up there had I not wanted to help them. I made the decision to not call the police because she's been in quite a bit of legal trouble before and this would've only worsened her troubles. In hindsight that was the wrong thing to do, as it was to not tell the trooper to send an ambulance up there. And thanks for the kind words The BSB.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[QUOTE=mooby;336138]Thank you Smootsmack. Clearly I am learning this the hard way, and I can see how you could say that I was doing "nothing", but I felt at the moment that I was trying to do something by driving up there to help her out. I care about my friends a lot, and I wouldn't have been driving up there had I not wanted to help them. I made the decision to not call the police because she's been in quite a bit of legal trouble before and this would've only worsened her troubles. In hindsight that was the wrong thing to do, as it was to not tell the trooper to send an ambulance up there. And thanks for the kind words The BSB.[/QUOTE]

Hopefully you understand that I don't literally mean "nothing"

Anyway, my best advice moving forward in this situation from a legal standpoint is to just tell it like it is. The more you try to spin a story the more difficult it will be to clear yourself.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Yes I do understand what you mean. And as of now that is my plan, I've seen many, many instances where people spin stories and only end up hurting themselves in the end. The Duke case is a prime example, that stripper told so many different stories everyone knew she was lying.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Mooby, based on personal experience, you should definitely get a lawyer. Also, when you appear in court having one, preferrably both, of your parents there to stand with you and show the court that they support you actually does help. Come dressed in a suit and tie. Fresh haircut. First impressions are critical. Hopefully you were very cooperative with the officer. The district attorney will try and nail your ass big time, so the battle is trying to swing the judge to your side. The judge may ask you what have you done since the traffic violation as far as owning up to the responsibility. Be honest and actually limit your driving to only work, church (if you go) and school. The lawyer will help you say the right things to the judge and will probably have a better idea of what exactly you should say in your defense.

Honestly, since this is your first offense and your apparent cause was to to rush to the aid of a friend who appeared to be in a life-threatened situation you may be able to get a reduced fine and not have your license suspended.

One more thing, I'm sure you already know but 90 mph is a guaranteed ticket to the afterlife. You will not survive a crash going at that speed. Not to mention you are probably going to kill another person, possibly a man, his pregnannt wife who themselves are rushing to the hospital in expectations of bringing their baby into this world. I know you were speeding to get to your friend quicker but you actually wasted more time due to the traffic stop. Sorry to nag but I've dealt with situations like this for the last 10 years on too frequent a basis. I hope everything works out.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

1) Get a Layer. You'll probably have to pay the same amount as the ticket, but it won't be all in speeding fines.
2) I totally understand you not sending an ambulance. Regardless of what's going on, it's tough to sell out a friend like that.
3) First offense you're probably okay? How old are you and how long have you been driving? I seriously doubt you'll get reckless driving.
4) As someone else said, look respectable when you go into court, bring family if possible, and be polite. If possible, find out who the judge will be and do a little research. For instance, when I was in court for contributing to the delinquency of a minor (which I beat, they drank my booze when I was 19; I didn't have sex with a 12 year old...) a family member wore a Marines hat because he was an ex-Marine and so was the judge. The hearing ended in them exchanging Semper Fi's.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

@724: Thanks for the help. I already planned on both of my parents being there, I've already told them and we've agreed that the only driving I'm going to be doing is to go to work and back. My dad also told me that it would help me out if I attended a driver improvement course at one of the various driving schools around here before they order me to go to one, so I plan on doing that. And yes, I never plan on going that fast again, it's safe to say that I never plan on going faster than 5 above the speed limit ever again too. Thanks for the advice.

@Daseal: I'm 19 and I've had my license for a little more than a month now. My parents were really hesitant to let me get my license because I'm an epileptic and they didn't want to risk me having a seizure behind the wheel. I had my permit for a really long time because of that. And I do plan on dressing in a suit and tie and being polite. Thanks for the advice as well.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Here's what Id do, for what its worth. Id go down to the courthouse and ask a few people who lawyer wise handles alot of traffic tix offenses. The key to this is to get the right lawyer who has a good relationship with the assistant DA. Its not what you know, its who you know. I know for a fact that attorneys who appear in court with the assistant DA are more willing to cut those guys a better deal from time to time. After you get a name or two, go talk to them and retain them. If it were me, Id get your case continued a time or two, for 2 reasons: First, it allows your attorney to work on the DA a little longer, and Second, the trooper may forget about the court appearance after its been bumped a time or two, then you'll get it dismissed if he fails to appear in court. Good luck.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

I hate to sound like I don't care, but you WERE speeding, so if you're breaking the law, you just have to be a responsible man and pay the consequences for your decision.

The same goes with the friend. If you think she needed an ambulance to be saved, you should send one there and let her deal with any legal consequences from her own choices.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

You should try to make her go to rehab...



sorry, my friend was just telling me about VirginFest this past weekend.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[QUOTE=Daseal;336184]1) For instance, when I was in court for contributing to the delinquency of a minor (which I beat, they drank my booze when I was 19; I didn't have sex with a 12 year old...)[/QUOTE]Yeah right ;)

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

THAT is a lot of scratch for a DAMN speeding ticket, (albeit a good one). Consult with an attorney, or three.
You can get a consult for $00.00. If they do not do a free consult, say goodbye.
Ask what they would anticipate you having to pay for them to defend this case successfully. Ask them what your chances are?
Ask any questions you might have. They work for you. Ask about payment plan. If it makes sense, and you get a good feeling about one, go with that one. As has already been mentioned, it will cost a similar amount to defend, but without the DL (points) problems, and insurance problems($$$$), if successful.
I have been down this road way to many times. It sucks.
The long and short of IT is, if the worst happens, you have to pay$$. The state WILL make adequate arrangements for you to pay. It's all about the $$$$
GOOD LUCK!!
Get your friend in rehab, or to a counselor. Addiction, or depression. Either way, she needs some help..........quick

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Not to pile on but with only having your lic. for a month is going to hurt you and not help as they are tougher on young drivers with tickets like the one you have received. If you are convicted that will only be the start of issues to come. I'm assuming you live with your parents and drive under their insurance. This is going to be an issue with their ins. co as it is a major violation and you are under their policy. Its a good chance that their ins co. could cancel their ins. because of this and as long as you live in their household it could effect their rates. I'd get a good Atty. and good luck.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

LOL @ OD on pot?! :doh:

Did anyone else see that story on that cop a while back that called 911 claiming to be OD'ing after eating pot brownies?? Freaking hilarious.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[YT]A8PTjglC_Qs[/YT]

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[quote=saden1;336694][yt]A8PTjglC_Qs[/yt][/quote]

LOL that's it!!

Classic

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

whatever you do, tell the truth, and don't change your story. and if you get a good lawyer, you can probably plead to a lesser fine. i hope you learned a valuable life's lesson

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[quote=firstdown;336686]Not to pile on but with only having your lic. for a month is going to hurt you and not help as they are tougher on young drivers with tickets like the one you have received. If you are convicted that will only be the start of issues to come. I'm assuming you live with your parents and drive under their insurance. This is going to be an issue with their ins. co as it is a major violation and you are under their policy. Its a good chance that their ins co. could cancel their ins. because of this and as long as you live in their household it could effect their rates. I'd get a good Atty. and good luck.[/quote]

I really really hope that my parents insurance doesn't get cancelled, I'm definitely gonna do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. And Dmek, I honestly did. I've said this before, but if/when I get my license back again, I def. plan on not doing anything that I could get in trouble with the law for again. Also, thanks for the advice Hog1, I'm definitely gonna remember it.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

full version
[url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=TKVAQLnm_5Y]YouTube - Weed Stealing Brownie Eating Pothead COP - 911 Call[/url]

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Just don't get stuck with this lawyer

[YT]JlTnlL6-Mmc[/YT]

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[quote=mooby;336803]I really really hope that my parents insurance doesn't get cancelled, I'm definitely gonna do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. And Dmek, I honestly did. I've said this before, but if/when I get my license back again, I def. plan on not doing anything that I could get in trouble with the law for again. Also, thanks for the advice Hog1, I'm definitely gonna remember it.[/quote]

Hey mooby, my younger sister just got her license a month ago and quickly acquired 2 speeding tickets in a four day span, both 20 mph over the speed limit (reckless driving). She and the parents got a lawyer and went to court both times (two counties) and she walked away with a total of $95 in fines and 3 points. One judge said she will overturn the decision if she has any traffic violation from now until the end of the year. She got lucky and maybe you will too. Good luck!

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

I don't have any legal advice for you mooby. However, I have been in a similar situation -- I just had a reasonable cop. Once I got caught going 101 in a 70, but the cop knocked it down to 98 so that it wouldn't be a reckless driving charge (that was in FL). I just paid a fine that was about $250, and I took a defensive driving class. No points, no court. I didn't say anything to the cop, except "yes sir" and "no sir". I didn't try to explain anything, and I wasn't interested in talking my way out of it. I think this attitude can help to make a cop more willing to be reasonable.

I will not say that speeding is wrong, or dangerous all the time. Sure there is a level of danger surrounding driving, and speeding increases that danger. However, going the speed limit on a crowded highway can be much more dangerous than exceeding the speed limit on an empty highway. Also, there are several books written by retired police officers which describe how to beat speeding tickets. They almost always suggest that you fight it.

Regarding drugs and overdose: I had a friend who died from an overdose on heroin. The other people with him didn't call an ambulance because they didn't want to get arrested, and they were too high. I seriously think they are F'ed up, because neither reason is legitimate. However, there should be avenues to get help without risking legal trouble. It just goes to show you what the priorities are: busting criminals first (drug users :doh:), then saving lives second.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

Just an update, I went to court today and I pled guilty to reckless driving, the judge was pretty decent about it because I had no priors, but I do have to pay a $482 fine and I am getting 6 points on my license. He gave me until the end of the year to pay the fine too, so I'll be able to get it handled. The only negatives are that my car insurance is probably gonna go up, and I won't be able to get rid of that conviction.

And about that friend (ex friend now) that I thought was od'ing, she's in jail for the next 1 1/2 years because she ran away from home and was found sleeping on the streets of New York with drugs on her. Me and my buddies stopped hanging out with her because she cheated on her b/f (the guy I was riding with at the time).

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

thanks for the update. and its good to see someone that can take it like a man

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[QUOTE=mooby;347472]Just an update, I went to court today and I pled guilty to reckless driving, the judge was pretty decent about it because I had no priors, but I do have to pay a $482 fine and I am getting 6 points on my license. He gave me until the end of the year to pay the fine too, so I'll be able to get it handled. The only negatives are that my car insurance is probably gonna go up, and I won't be able to get rid of that conviction.

And about that friend (ex friend now) that I thought was od'ing, she's in jail for the next 1 1/2 years because she ran away from home and was found sleeping on the streets of New York with drugs on her. Me and my buddies stopped hanging out with her because she cheated on her b/f (the guy I was riding with at the time).[/QUOTE]

I don't know what the laws are in VA, but if at all possible, go to your DMV and ask if they have any tests you can take to remove some of those points. I know we have that option here in PA.

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[quote=mooby;347472]Just an update, I went to court today and I pled guilty to reckless driving, the judge was pretty decent about it because I had no priors, but I do have to pay a $482 fine and I am getting 6 points on my license. He gave me until the end of the year to pay the fine too, so I'll be able to get it handled. The only negatives are that my car insurance is probably gonna go up, and I won't be able to get rid of that conviction.

And about that friend (ex friend now) that I thought was od'ing, she's in jail for the next 1 1/2 years because she ran away from home and was found sleeping on the streets of New York with drugs on her. Me and my buddies stopped hanging out with her because she cheated on her b/f (the guy I was riding with at the time).[/quote]

Write it off to lessons learned!
It will be a bit painful for a while, but........
And, rightly or wrongly, you tried to do the right thing for the right reasons, for a friend. THAT, makes you, "stand up".

Re: Mooby Needs Legal Advice
 

[quote=BleedBurgundy;347514]I don't know what the laws are in VA, but if at all possible, go to your DMV and ask if they have any tests you can take to remove some of those points. I know we have that option here in PA.[/quote]

It is here as well...

Mooby, if you voluntarily take a driver improvement course (not mandated by your case) then they will remove points off your license. 6 points isn't the end of the world insurance-wise.