My day in court: A one-act play.
So, I was charged with Failure to Maintain Control (a flavor of Reckless driving) for my traffic accident in Petersburg a few months ago, described here.
What follows is a dramatic but accurate recounting of my experience in court.
Prologue:
Me: "So, lawyer. Talk to me."
Lawyer: "Well, Failure to Maintain Control is a serious crime in Virginia."
Me: "I know. Class 1 Misdemeanor. They can give out jail time for Class 1 Misdemeanor, yes?"
Lawyer: "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that."
Me: "OK, what should I be worried about?"
Lawyer: "I don't know the judge, and I haven't represented anyone in this particular court before. If this were in Williamsburg or Richmond, this would be a no-brainer, but we're not there."
Me: "So, what can I expect, then?"
Lawyer: "Let's find out together!"
Me: "..."
---
Me: *approaches the bench*
Judge, to Officer: "Please describe the incident."
Officer: *does so*
Judge: "Did you see the accident yourself?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Judge: "Do you have any witnesses who accident yourself?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Me, thinking to myself: "Good, good. I've read about decisions like this. No witnesses means that I will likely walk."
Judge: "Were any other vehicles involved in the accident?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Judge: *gives Officer significant look*
Lawyer: "...Officer, could you please describe the weather the day of the-"
Judge: "What are you asking that for?"
Me, thinking to myself: "Wait, what? No, this is not according to what I've read! Weather conditions are important!"
Judge: *continues eyeballing Officer* "You don't have a bad case. You have no case. Not guilty." *waves us away*
---
So, it went well. And I had a very nice visit with friends in Richmond, as well.
What follows is a dramatic but accurate recounting of my experience in court.
Prologue:
Me: "So, lawyer. Talk to me."
Lawyer: "Well, Failure to Maintain Control is a serious crime in Virginia."
Me: "I know. Class 1 Misdemeanor. They can give out jail time for Class 1 Misdemeanor, yes?"
Lawyer: "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that."
Me: "OK, what should I be worried about?"
Lawyer: "I don't know the judge, and I haven't represented anyone in this particular court before. If this were in Williamsburg or Richmond, this would be a no-brainer, but we're not there."
Me: "So, what can I expect, then?"
Lawyer: "Let's find out together!"
Me: "..."
---
Me: *approaches the bench*
Judge, to Officer: "Please describe the incident."
Officer: *does so*
Judge: "Did you see the accident yourself?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Judge: "Do you have any witnesses who accident yourself?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Me, thinking to myself: "Good, good. I've read about decisions like this. No witnesses means that I will likely walk."
Judge: "Were any other vehicles involved in the accident?"
Officer: "No, your honor."
Judge: *gives Officer significant look*
Lawyer: "...Officer, could you please describe the weather the day of the-"
Judge: "What are you asking that for?"
Me, thinking to myself: "Wait, what? No, this is not according to what I've read! Weather conditions are important!"
Judge: *continues eyeballing Officer* "You don't have a bad case. You have no case. Not guilty." *waves us away*
---
So, it went well. And I had a very nice visit with friends in Richmond, as well.