Reckless Driving

[robnon]

I was charged with speeding in Virgina a few weeks ago. I was stopped going 92 in 65 and in VA it is considered a misdemeanor. I am going to fight it and try to get it reduced to an infraction. I can't believe this happened. Now I have to report this on AMCAS. I doubt medical schools will care about a speeding ticket, I am just worried about the fact that my application will show the misdemeanor charge. Has anyone had a similar problem in Virgina? Or a similar problem on their application? I am freaking out over this. All of this hard work and money I invested in my education could be in jeopardy over a stupid speeding ticket.

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[coffeebythelake]

I heard that doctors get into traffic accidents a lot. So... no worries?

 

[proclivity]

I was charged with speeding in Virgina a few weeks ago. I was stopped going 92 in 65 and in VA it is considered a misdemeanor. I am going to fight it and try to get it reduced to an infraction. I can't believe this happened. Now I have to report this on AMCAS. I doubt medical schools will care about a speeding ticket, I am just worried about the fact that my application will show the misdemeanor charge. Has anyone had a similar problem in Virgina? Or a similar problem on their application? I am freaking out over this. All of this hard work and money I invested in my education could be in jeopardy over a stupid speeding ticket.

You're fine. If you would like to show initiative, take a defensive driving course. they offer them on the internet and they send you a certificate. You can even get a discount on your car insurance for it. Google it. That should illustrate the fact that you are remorseful. I did the same thing.

 

[146233]

As a former Johnny Law, I can tell you that 92 in a 65 is a big deal - legally speaking. As for medical schools, if it even shows up on your background check (which is not done until you are either accepted or waitlisted), they'll probably look at it as an example of irresponsibility. The fact that it's recent hurts more than what the charge is. You'll need to report it on AMCAS and get in front of it should it appear on a background check. Why don't you purchase yourself a background check and see what shows up? At least then you can prepare an honest answer if/when interviewers ask about it.

Best,
-z

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

You're fine. If you would like to show initiative, take a defensive driving course. they offer them on the internet and they send you a certificate. You can even get a discount on your car insurance for it. Google it. That should illustrate the fact that you are remorseful. I did the same thing.

That's excellent advice. It won't crater your app, robnon, but you need to be prepared to discuss it in interviews if it's not reduced. It shows poor judgement and you'll have to explain how you learned from it - and you seem to be taking responsibility for it so far (e.g., you already know that it's a reportable misdemeanor, not a minor traffic offense). You're actually lucky - 92 in a 65 in a lot of other Southern states would have gotten you jailed. Best of luck.

 

[proclivity]

That's excellent advice. It won't crater your app, robnon, but you need to be prepared to discuss it in interviews if it's not reduced. It shows poor judgement and you'll have to explain how you learned from it - and you seem to be taking responsibility for it so far (e.g., you already know that it's a reportable misdemeanor, not a minor traffic offense). You're actually lucky - 92 in a 65 in a lot of other Southern states would have gotten you jailed. Best of luck.

They can cut your license up on the spot in Mich and Ohio. Doesn't happen unless you're doing some crazy stuff though, like weaving in and out of traffic on a freeway at 130 mph on a motorcycle. Then again, the would be unlikely to catch you at 130, eh?

 

[146233]

They can cut your license in half in Mich and Ohio.

Unless the copper writes it down, 92 in a 65 would be an arrest.

 

[silas2642]

I was charged with speeding in Virgina a few weeks ago. I was stopped going 92 in 65 and in VA it is considered a misdemeanor. I am going to fight it and try to get it reduced to an infraction. I can't believe this happened. Now I have to report this on AMCAS. I doubt medical schools will care about a speeding ticket, I am just worried about the fact that my application will show the misdemeanor charge. Has anyone had a similar problem in Virgina? Or a similar problem on their application? I am freaking out over this. All of this hard work and money I invested in my education could be in jeopardy over a stupid speeding ticket.

It was a little reckless, but I don't think you're fried. Taking a driving course wouldn't be a bad idea, although I'm not sure if it would be defensive driving, since after all-- we're the ones who are on the defense from you😀.

Anyway, you're going to have to report this on AMCAS, as you know, and it might not hurt to put down how this was a really, really, stupid thing to do and how you will never ever do this again. The upshot to this is that it did not involve alcohol or cheating, and that is a really good thing. The only thing that it really involved was youth and stupidity, and hey, they were there once and a lot of the members of the adcoms are probably still there and might even understand your predicament.

 

[robnon]

I am planning on taking a driver safety course. I hired a lawyer to represent me. At the very least I hope I can get the speeding reduced. The lawyer is going to challenge the calibration of the radar. Also my 10 year DMV driving record is 100% clean so that should help. There might also be a defense of speed odometer being off since I was driving a rental car. The other piece of good news is that the particular county I got pulled over in is apparently easy-going compared to other counties in VA like in DC metro area.


Anything over 80 MPH or 20+ over any speed limit in VA is a Class 1 Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 1 year in jail and a $2500 fine. It is pretty severe and VA cops pull people over all the time. Some famous cases have hit the news in that area including a Congressman, an Assistant to the President of the United States and NASCAR star, Kyle Busch. Kyle Bush Story They pulled over a group of NJ state troopers who were driving through Virgina back to NJ from helping fellow police officers in LA after Hurrican Katrina. Story

I know that has nothing to do with my situation, but I thought it would be interesting for people to look at. I learned the hard way, if you are driving through Virgina, be careful!

Don't get me wrong, I am an advocate for reckless driving or speeding, however I think the punishment far outweighs the crime and I don't think someone's life should be ruined for one case of speeding, to me that is pretty outrageous.

 

[mudphudwannabe]

I don't think someone's life should be ruined for one case of speeding, to me that is pretty outrageous.

Hmm.. What if you had gotten into an accident? Especially at 92 mph, things could have ended up much worse than you having to report a misdemeanor on AMCAS. Almost 30 mph over is not a "stupid speeding ticket" or some kind of technicality, it is a wakeup call. I'm sure you are aware that a car can be a deadly weapon.

If I were on an admissions committee, I would take an offense like this very seriously. As a future doctor, you will have people's lives in your hands -- I would want to be absolutely positive that you are ready to take on that responsibility. I'm not saying that doctors have to absolute paragons of virtue, but behaviors like this certainly do send up red flags. On the application/interview circuit, you can probably do some damage control by saying you take this issue very seriously, you realize that you made a mistake, and you are going to make sure it never happens again. Of course, it's best if that's the truth, too.

 

[DrPhysician]

i was in the same situation. it was no big deal for me. just explain that it was a "reckless driving by speeding" charge and that it was a bad lapse in your judgement. I had to report it on AMCAs and I still got 3 interviews and 2 acceptances.

 

[robnon]

Hmm.. What if you had gotten into an accident? Especially at 92 mph, things could have ended up much worse than you having to report a misdemeanor on AMCAS. Almost 30 mph over is not a "stupid speeding ticket" or some kind of technicality, it is a wakeup call. I'm sure you are aware that a car can be a deadly weapon.

If I were on an admissions committee, I would take an offense like this very seriously. As a future doctor, you will have people's lives in your hands -- I would want to be absolutely positive that you are ready to take on that responsibility. I'm not saying that doctors have to absolute paragons of virtue, but behaviors like this certainly do send up red flags. On the application/interview circuit, you can probably do some damage control by saying you take this issue very seriously, you realize that you made a mistake, and you are going to make sure it never happens again. Of course, it's best if that's the truth, too.

But there wasn't an accident. It is considered Reckless by speeding alone. I wasn't drunk, I was driving like a crazy person or swivering in and out of traffic. Most states define Reckless driving less harshly then VA. If fact if you type in "Reckless Driving" in a google search, most of the hits will be related to VA and/or VA law firms. Also what happened to innocent until proven guilty? I do not believe I was going 92 MPH and I plan on challenging that court. I was going fast and over 65, but 92 seems very high. Also I am not going to use the "going with the flow of traffic" defense, but anyone who has driven on I-95 in the Northeast Corridor knows people drive very fast on that highway. I also don't think speeding has anything to do with being an ethical doctor. Just because I was driving fast doesn't mean I would be "reckless" with people's lives. I also believe that a large majority of current medical students and doctors have had at least one speeding ticket in their lives. It doesn't make them bad doctors.

 

[Natatiap]

I had a reckless speeding ticket in VA and you are right it is a misdemeanor. You must note that on AMCAS and your secondary applications. I was unaware reckless tickets were charged as misdemeanors and therefore neglected to put it on my AMCAS and AACOMAS (DO) application and it came up on my criminal background check. I had to write the school a statement explaining myself. 😱 To make a long story short the school said they weren't too much concerned with the ticket as compared to the fact I didn't list it on my application. I'll be fine to start in the fall. Mark it on your application and just be honest about it. That's all you can do

 

[alesdu1]

What about normal traffic stuff? I certainly didnt report cause I figure everyone has something like that. I got in a wreck in high school...i got a ticket for "failure to yield." i also got a speeding ticket, but it wasnt anything huge...like 68 in a 55. youre not supposed to report stuff like that, are you? I thought traffic tickets werent considered misdemeanors...just "traffic tickets." can anyone elaborate on this....cause i dont really know anything about this stuff...

 

[Instatewaiter]

I was charged with speeding in Virgina a few weeks ago. I was stopped going 92 in 65 and in VA it is considered a misdemeanor. I am going to fight it and try to get it reduced to an infraction. I can't believe this happened. Now I have to report this on AMCAS. I doubt medical schools will care about a speeding ticket, I am just worried about the fact that my application will show the misdemeanor charge. Has anyone had a similar problem in Virgina? Or a similar problem on their application? I am freaking out over this. All of this hard work and money I invested in my education could be in jeopardy over a stupid speeding ticket.

What county were you in when you got the speeding ticket. In some Va counties they are really, really hard on severe traffic violations. Hope it's not in Louisa.

 

[robnon]

What county were you in when you got the speeding ticket. In some Va counties they are really, really hard on severe traffic violations. Hope it's not in Louisa.

I was in Hanover County. You can view all traffic cases on line on the VA Supreme Court website. It appears Hanover County is not that bad. My lawyer said they are pretty good about reducing charges. I hope it goes in my favor.

 

[robnon]

What about normal traffic stuff? I certainly didnt report cause I figure everyone has something like that. I got in a wreck in high school...i got a ticket for "failure to yield." i also got a speeding ticket, but it wasnt anything huge...like 68 in a 55. youre not supposed to report stuff like that, are you? I thought traffic tickets werent considered misdemeanors...just "traffic tickets." can anyone elaborate on this....cause i dont really know anything about this stuff...

You only need to report it if it was a Misdemeanor. You should check with the court to see if it is a Misdemeanor or an infraction. It sounds like it was probably an infraction so you should be good. In VA if you are going 80 or above it is misdemeanor, equivalent to DWI, drug pocession, petty larceny and Assualt and Battery (Can you tell I am bitter about the VA judicial system) 🙂

 

[alesdu1]

I should preface this by saying I love VA and esp its topography, people, etc but honestly...what's their deal? why are they so uptight about traffic rules? They are the only state where radar detectors are illegal, and I didnt even know about the above 80 thing. lol In some states, the speed limit is 85 haha. That law seems kind of harsh.

Nevertheless, thanks for the infraction vs. misdm. clarification..

 

[pagemmapants]

Hm. In NC if you're going 15 mph over the speed limit they can take away your license and toss you in the slammer for a while. This is especially annoying around Durham where literally EVERYTHING is a construction zone. Please tell me how a 5 lane freeway manages to stay at 55 mph for 10 months when actual construction was only occurring for 3? *sigh*
I think in VA it's 20 mph over the limit for that.

I miss CA. You can drive 95 all the time and nobody gives a hoot.

 

[boo-yeh]

I should preface this by saying I love VA and esp its topography, people, etc but honestly...what's their deal? why are they so uptight about traffic rules? They are the only state where radar detectors are illegal, and I didnt even know about the above 80 thing. lol In some states, the speed limit is 85 haha. That law seems kind of harsh.

Nevertheless, thanks for the infraction vs. misdm. clarification..

This post is hilarious, especially considering this past week the state legislature endorsed a new bunch of 'civil remedial fees' to pay for our new and expensive transportation package. OP, had you gotten that ticket a bit later you likely would have had to pay the state $1250. It really is ridiculous.

 

[robnon]

It is ridiculous. They should change their state motto from "Virginia is for Lovers" to "Virginia is for insanely high traffic penalties."

 

[FlowLimited]

Also I am not going to use the "going with the flow of traffic" defense, but anyone who has driven on I-95 in the Northeast Corridor knows people drive very fast on that highway.

Sometimes I think it's just as dangerous to be driving the speed limit on I-95 considering how fast everyone goes and how everyone is always swerving around law-abiding citizens.

 

[ssquared]

But there wasn't an accident. It is considered Reckless by speeding alone. I wasn't drunk, I was driving like a crazy person or swivering in and out of traffic. Most states define Reckless driving less harshly then VA. If fact if you type in "Reckless Driving" in a google search, most of the hits will be related to VA and/or VA law firms. Also what happened to innocent until proven guilty? I do not believe I was going 92 MPH and I plan on challenging that court. I was going fast and over 65, but 92 seems very high. Also I am not going to use the "going with the flow of traffic" defense, but anyone who has driven on I-95 in the Northeast Corridor knows people drive very fast on that highway. I also don't think speeding has anything to do with being an ethical doctor. Just because I was driving fast doesn't mean I would be "reckless" with people's lives. I also believe that a large majority of current medical students and doctors have had at least one speeding ticket in their lives. It doesn't make them bad doctors.

But anybody who drives regularly on 95 knows that the sheer number of accidents that occur on that road make speeding on it extremely dangerous. I never go above 75-80 on 95 for that reason. I've seen some really horrific accidents occur on that road (two days ago I saw three cars spin out across four lanes of traffic). Virginia takes the problem very seriously, and patrols the roads closely. Some of it is to turn a profit for the never-ending road work, but a lot of it is to stop the really crazy fast drivers. If you get to keep your license consider yourself lucky. I've had friends lose theirs for smaller infractions.

 

[deleted109597]

BTW, if you had done this next month, you would be looking at a $1,000 fine and a felony. Speeding over 80 can get you that in VA now.
http://www.courts.state.va.us/publications/hb_3202.pdf

 

[tkatchev]

Hmm.. What if you had gotten into an accident? Especially at 92 mph, things could have ended up much worse than you having to report a misdemeanor on AMCAS. Almost 30 mph over is not a "stupid speeding ticket" or some kind of technicality, it is a wakeup call. I'm sure you are aware that a car can be a deadly weapon.

If I were on an admissions committee, I would take an offense like this very seriously. As a future doctor, you will have people's lives in your hands -- I would want to be absolutely positive that you are ready to take on that responsibility. I'm not saying that doctors have to absolute paragons of virtue, but behaviors like this certainly do send up red flags. On the application/interview circuit, you can probably do some damage control by saying you take this issue very seriously, you realize that you made a mistake, and you are going to make sure it never happens again. Of course, it's best if that's the truth, too.

I second this. I think going near 30 mph over or even 20 over puts other peoples' lives at risk and shows a lack of concern for their safety. It is irresponsible behavior and would likely be evaluated in that light by admissions committees.

 

[tkatchev]

I should preface this by saying I love VA and esp its topography, people, etc but honestly...what's their deal? why are they so uptight about traffic rules? They are the only state where radar detectors are illegal, and I didnt even know about the above 80 thing. lol In some states, the speed limit is 85 haha. That law seems kind of harsh.

Nevertheless, thanks for the infraction vs. misdm. clarification..

Maybe because speeding costs people their lives?

 

[highcidity]

Maybe because speeding costs people their lives?

LOL...someone with common sense

 

[tkatchev]

But there wasn't an accident. It is considered Reckless by speeding alone. I wasn't drunk, I was driving like a crazy person or swivering in and out of traffic. Most states define Reckless driving less harshly then VA. If fact if you type in "Reckless Driving" in a google search, most of the hits will be related to VA and/or VA law firms. Also what happened to innocent until proven guilty? I do not believe I was going 92 MPH and I plan on challenging that court. I was going fast and over 65, but 92 seems very high. Also I am not going to use the "going with the flow of traffic" defense, but anyone who has driven on I-95 in the Northeast Corridor knows people drive very fast on that highway. I also don't think speeding has anything to do with being an ethical doctor. Just because I was driving fast doesn't mean I would be "reckless" with people's lives. I also believe that a large majority of current medical students and doctors have had at least one speeding ticket in their lives. It doesn't make them bad doctors.

You neglect the fact that by driving fast you have already made the decision to be reckless with other people's lives- everyone else who is on the road with you.

 

[robnon]

You neglect the fact that by driving fast you have already made the decision to be reckless with other people's lives- everyone else who is on the road with you.

I think you are being way to harsh and judging me. Again, as I stated earlier I was not driving that fast (92). Also I believe it is just has dangerous to do the speed limit on I-95, you are likely to get run off the road. So I guess by your logic any doctor who drives fast on the highway should have their medical license revoked. Why do you pre-med students have to be so judgmental of their peers?

 

[JaggerPlate]

I think you are being way to harsh and judging me. Again, as I stated earlier I was not driving that fast (92). Also I believe it is just has dangerous to do the speed limit on I-95, you are likely to get run off the road. So I guess by your logic any doctor who drives fast on the highway should have their medical license revoked. Why do you pre-med students have to be so judgmental of their peers?

I had a situation that was kinda like your case. I was actually charged with an MIP (minor in posession of alcohol) which is a misdemeanor, but I went to court and got the charge reduced to an infraction which won't appear on my record, and will not need to be reported. My best advice to you, is to: first, talk to a laywer. They can really tell you your options in the situation, and represent you if you need it. Second, do whatever you can to get it reduced to an infraction, you won't need to report this nor will it be a problem. Good luck!!

 

[SIREN]

I think you are being way to harsh and judging me. Again, as I stated earlier I was not driving that fast (92). Also I believe it is just has dangerous to do the speed limit on I-95, you are likely to get run off the road. So I guess by your logic any doctor who drives fast on the highway should have their medical license revoked. Why do you pre-med students have to be so judgmental of their peers?

🙁 I certainly wont judge you. I was a speed demon too, back in my whipper snapper days now I drive like Miss Daisy, well not really. I only speed when I'm passing or breaking out of a cluster of vehicles. I didn't know you could get a misdemeanor for speeding, that sux but I'm sure it's necessary. I really need to check my state's laws on speeding, the big thing where I live is seat belts. Oh gosh, there is a seatbelt trap everywhere, I always wear my seatbelt, they're just annoying. I could be wrong but do you have a history of speeding tickets because a misdemeanor for a first timer seems kind of harsh? Anyway, I truly wish you the best, I hope everything works out for you.

 

[robnon]

🙁 I certainly wont judge you. I was a speed demon too, back in my whipper snapper days now I drive like Miss Daisy, well not really. I only speed when I'm passing or breaking out of a cluster of vehicles. I didn't know you could get a misdemeanor for speeding, that sux but I'm sure it's necessary. I really need to check my state's laws on speeding, the big thing where I live is seat belts. Oh gosh, there is a seatbelt trap everywhere, I always wear my seatbelt, they're just annoying. I could be wrong but do you have a history of speeding tickets because a misdemeanor for a first timer seems kind of harsh? Anyway, I truly wish you the best, I hope everything works out for you.

Thank you for the kind words and well wishes 🙂. No my driving record is spotless. I requested a copy of my 10 year driving history and it has nothing on it. In Virgina, anything above 80 MPH or anything above 20 MPH is considered a Misdemeanor no matter what. In fact a lot of charges are considered a Misdemeanor in VA for example: A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who fails to give adequate and timely signals of intention to turn, partly turn, slow down, or stop. But then again, a person should be jailed for that. It is a reckless form of risking the lives of others.

 

[SIREN]

Thank you for the kind words and well wishes 🙂. No my driving record is spotless. I requested a copy of my 10 year driving history and it has nothing on it. In Virgina, anything above 80 MPH or anything above 20 MPH is considered a Misdemeanor no matter what. In fact a lot of charges are considered a Misdemeanor in VA for example: A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who fails to give adequate and timely signals of intention to turn, partly turn, slow down, or stop. But then again, a person should be jailed for that. It is a reckless form of risking the lives of others.

If you have a spotless record, I think a misdemeanor is a little extreme. You certainly don't deserve that, I hope you go on to fight and win. If for whatever reason this does become an issue later, I'm sure AdComs won't hold this against you, as long as you express remorse and convince them you are a better person, having learned a valuable lesson from all of this.

 

[Cirrus83]

Back in the day I got a speeding ticket and that was one of the most stressful times ever in my life, just because I had to go to court TWICE during finals (stupid prosecutor wasn't around the first court date...small town *sigh*), and I got sick during this whole thing too. Needless to say it didn't help my finals grades.

Anyways, as it is, plead it down. Yes it *can* be a huge offense, and yes I know you're used to seeing other people speed like lunatics. But in a lot of places they'll take speeding very seriously. I say a lot of places because in NYC you'll see half the cars going 75 in a 40 on a regular basis.

That said, 92 *IS* too fast. Don't keep typing that it's not that fast. Do other people drive 90? Sure. But you know what, chances are that if the cop actually wrote up a ticket that says you were going 92 you were going faster than 92 at some point anyway.

Add on the fact that you're a young and inexperienced driver and you're *not* the great driver you think you are. Yes, I know you think you're an awesome driver, but trust me, there's a reason why they charge you hella high insurance rates when you're young, and it's not because you're a great driver.

Some things though, I think you just have to learn the hard way. I ended up totaling my first car 2 months after my first speeding ticket, lol. Not even my fault entirely, but if I had been actually driving defensively I could have avoided it, so in retrospect it's pretty clear I was young and ******ed.

Anyways, plead it down. I wouldn't even bother with a lawyer unless the judge/prosecutor basically refuses to consider pleading it down. Most traffic lawyers I checked out seemed to be horribly lousy lawyers, lol.

 

[MamadP]

Speeding doesnt kill....asian drivers do!

Seriously, i ride a motorcycle and every time i was about to get killed was because of a dumb asian driver, i dunno what it is...they just cant drive.

Also, you guys mean to tell me you have never gone 100+mph??!?

I mean c'mon, you've all at least tried to max out your car when u first got it...

 

[etf]

i do about a consistent 80 most of the time, just because it is the 12'oclock position on most speedometers, so it's easy to see. plus california lanes are so wide.

lol, i remember when i first drove one of the new family cars, i was going on the freeway, and i looked over at the gauge and it said "30". i'm like, i better pick this up so i accelerate for a while, and it only goes to "40". i punch it a little harder and it goes to "50" and look outside to see that i'm actually going pretty fast. I then look to the gauge on the left and it reads somewhere near 120mph. it turns out i was looking at the wrong gauge!!! - those stupid germans put the rpms as 20,40,60 instead of 2,4,6 like normal people. needless to say, i almost had a heart attack.

 

[CAS97209]

Back in the day I got a speeding ticket and that was one of the most stressful times ever in my life, just because I had to go to court TWICE during finals (stupid prosecutor wasn't around the first court date...small town *sigh*), and I got sick during this whole thing too. Needless to say it didn't help my finals grades.

Anyways, as it is, plead it down. Yes it *can* be a huge offense, and yes I know you're used to seeing other people speed like lunatics. But in a lot of places they'll take speeding very seriously. I say a lot of places because in NYC you'll see half the cars going 75 in a 40 on a regular basis.

That said, 92 *IS* too fast. Don't keep typing that it's not that fast. Do other people drive 90? Sure. But you know what, chances are that if the cop actually wrote up a ticket that says you were going 92 you were going faster than 92 at some point anyway.

Add on the fact that you're a young and inexperienced driver and you're *not* the great driver you think you are. Yes, I know you think you're an awesome driver, but trust me, there's a reason why they charge you hella high insurance rates when you're young, and it's not because you're a great driver.

Some things though, I think you just have to learn the hard way. I ended up totaling my first car 2 months after my first speeding ticket, lol. Not even my fault entirely, but if I had been actually driving defensively I could have avoided it, so in retrospect it's pretty clear I was young and ******ed.

Anyways, plead it down. I wouldn't even bother with a lawyer unless the judge/prosecutor basically refuses to consider pleading it down. Most traffic lawyers I checked out seemed to be horribly lousy lawyers, lol.

I once had to go to traffic court, and usually for speeding they'll give you the option of pleading guilty in exchange for the ticket being reduced to a parking ticket (with the maximum parking fine) and a couple of points on your license (which could be gotten rid of taking a defensive driving course). The only people there with lawyers were the one's with extreme cases like one guy going 90 mph in a school zone (30 mph), and it was the guy's 4th offense in the past 3 months.

 

[tkatchev]

I think you are being way to harsh and judging me. Again, as I stated earlier I was not driving that fast (92). Also I believe it is just has dangerous to do the speed limit on I-95, you are likely to get run off the road. So I guess by your logic any doctor who drives fast on the highway should have their medical license revoked. Why do you pre-med students have to be so judgmental of their peers?

Well I don't think you should be jailed, but a misdemeanor is probably not too far off from an acceptable punishment if you really were going 20+. And if you weren't going that fast, how fast do you claim you were going? "Well officer, I have no idea how fast I was going but I'm really really sure it wasn't 20+."

Also, I don't think the argument that it's just as dangerous to do the speed limit on the road is viable. All that really tells me is that the majority of people on I-95 are endangering people's lives and you're one of those people. But somehow I don't believe that everyone in the right lane goes 90+. I'm sure you could have found a lane where you could have safely driven 5-10 over.

Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes. But somewhere between that time and now I grew up and realized that it's not worth risking my life and especially the lives of other people.

And a final note. I'm not a pre-med student, I'm a medical student, and I think I'm being fair in my judgment.

 

[robnon]

Well I don't think you should be jailed, but a misdemeanor is probably not too far off from an acceptable punishment if you really were going 20+. And if you weren't going that fast, how fast do you claim you were going? "Well officer, I have no idea how fast I was going but I'm really really sure it wasn't 20+."

Also, I don't think the argument that it's just as dangerous to do the speed limit on the road is viable. All that really tells me is that the majority of people on I-95 are endangering people's lives and you're one of those people. But somehow I don’t believe that everyone in the right lane goes 90+. I’m sure you could have found a lane where you could have safely driven 5-10 over.

Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes. But somewhere between that time and now I grew up and realized that it’s not worth risking my life and especially the lives of other people.

And a final note. I’m not a pre-med student, I’m a medical student, and I think I’m being fair in my judgment.

I am claiming I was going closer to high 80's, which is still speeding, but again I reiterate drivers DO drive that fast on I-95. Imposing high penalties is not going to save lives. People speed in every state. Are all of the drivers endangering the lives of others on I-95? Perhaps, but what are you suppossed to do? You drive on I-95 and do 65, you will get run off the road. If a huge 18-wheeler truck is barreling down at you from behind, do you drive faster or maintain to your speed? Or you can merge to the next lane and let him pass you, then you will have another truck or car on your rear. So maybe you shouldn't drive I-95 then, well how else are you suppossed to get from Florida to Rhode Island? In North Carolina on 95 the speed limit is 70 and people fly on that road, then you enter Virgina and there are state troopers just waiting to pull people over. Why are they so harsh in VA? Because all they care about is getting money for the state.

Again let me state, I do NOT condone reckless driving. The fact that I have a spotless 10 year driving history and no criminal record shows I am a responsible person. I never even had a minor infraction in college. I have always done things by the book. My point is that I should not have my hopes and dreams shattered because of one mistake and while I should pay for making a mistake, the punishment is outrageous.

By your judgement, should you ever get pulled over for speeding and you are FOUND guilty by a court, you should be expelled from medical school? That is insane. Feel free to judge me harshly if you want, but let me also say that I contacted several medical schools and spoke with the respective admissions officers. They all said it wouldn't affect my admissions. One gentleman I spoke to who is the Director of Admissions, told me he just recently got pulled over for speeding.

 

[ssquared]

If you have a spotless record, I think a misdemeanor is a little extreme. You certainly don't deserve that, I hope you go on to fight and win. If for whatever reason this does become an issue later, I'm sure AdComs won't hold this against you, as long as you express remorse and convince them you are a better person, having learned a valuable lesson from all of this.

Why is it extreme? Breaking the law is breaking the law. Just because you were a good citizen (ie never caught before) beforehand, it doesn't make the fact that he was speeding a lot go away.

I don't see why people on these boards aren't willing to accept the consequences of their actions. You speed, you get caught, you deal with the penalities. VA happens to be strict, but that's something you can easily find out before getting on the road. I don't think speeding should affect anybody's chances at medical school if it's a first time thing, but otherwise, if it's a misdemeanor, well....I can't say he didn't entirely deserve it. My close friend's father was killed in an accident where a guy was going about 90 and hit a car with a family of four inside. It's hard for me to have sympathy for people who knowingly drive that fast and then don't want to have to suffer the consequences when they're caught.

 

[notdeadyet]

Again let me state, I do NOT condone reckless driving. The fact that I have a spotless 10 year driving history and no criminal record shows I am a responsible person.

Or it shows that you haven't been caught. Just sayin'....

 

[cleothecat]

If you are doing km/hr

At 90 mph, that is 144 km/hr

That is friggin irresponsible!

I do not yet detect any insight or remorse in your posts!!!!

 

[SIREN]

I am claiming I was going closer to high 80's, which is still speeding, but again I reiterate drivers DO drive that fast on I-95. Imposing high penalties is not going to save lives. People speed in every state. Are all of the drivers endangering the lives of others on I-95? Perhaps, but what are you suppossed to do? You drive on I-95 and do 65, you will get run off the road. If a huge 18-wheeler truck is barreling down at you from behind, do you drive faster or maintain to your speed? Or you can merge to the next lane and let him pass you, then you will have another truck or car on your rear. So maybe you shouldn't drive I-95 then, well how else are you suppossed to get from Florida to Rhode Island? In North Carolina on 95 the speed limit is 70 and people fly on that road, then you enter Virgina and there are state troopers just waiting to pull people over. Why are they so harsh in VA? Because all they care about is getting money for the state.

Again let me state, I do NOT condone reckless driving. The fact that I have a spotless 10 year driving history and no criminal record shows I am a responsible person. I never even had a minor infraction in college. I have always done things by the book. My point is that I should not have my hopes and dreams shattered because of one mistake and while I should pay for making a mistake, the punishment is outrageous.

By your judgement, should you ever get pulled over for speeding and you are FOUND guilty by a court, you should be expelled from medical school? That is insane. Feel free to judge me harshly if you want, but let me also say that I contacted several medical schools and spoke with the respective admissions officers. They all said it wouldn't affect my admissions. One gentleman I spoke to who is the Director of Admissions, told me he just recently got pulled over for speeding.

Whatever? You had a spotless record for ten years, a lot of people can't say they were able to maintain a spotless record for ten years. YOU DON'T DESERVE THAT! I like the advice that cirrus gave you about pleading it down. I don't know if you find it that serious to retain an attorney but I would surely put up a fight. I really believe that you can beat that misdemeanor charge and just pay the fine, that should be suffice. Heck, I once dated a guy with a Hyabusa motorcycle, it was gorgeous and all tricked out. Anyway he NEVER followed the speed limit, I shudder at the thought of how fast we were going, there would always be at least 6 of us sometimes upward of 15. It is only by God's grace that I or anyone else was never hurt or injured. And yes, he ended up totaling his bike, so did several others. I could never judge anyone else, not only because I am not perfect but it does not make me feel good to judge people, especially when they are feeling down. I get the most joy in giving hope, encouragement and making people smile. 🙂

Why is it extreme? Breaking the law is breaking the law. Just because you were a good citizen (ie never caught before) beforehand, it doesn't make the fact that he was speeding a lot go away.

I don't see why people on these boards aren't willing to accept the consequences of their actions. You speed, you get caught, you deal with the penalities. VA happens to be strict, but that's something you can easily find out before getting on the road. I don't think speeding should affect any body's chances at medical school if it's a first time thing, but otherwise, if it's a misdemeanor, well....I can't say he didn't entirely deserve it. My close friend's father was killed in an accident where a guy was going about 90 and hit a car with a family of four inside. It's hard for me to have sympathy for people who knowingly drive that fast and then don't want to have to suffer the consequences when they're caught.

Because this could possibly affect his chances of gaining acceptance in medical school, employment or whatever. It is in my opinion, that a permanent etch on his record as punishment is too extreme for a first time offense. We all make mistakes, do we always deserve a second chance? Of course not. In this situation, given the fact there was no harm done, he deserves it.

He maintained a flawless driving record for over ten years and his first speeding ticket is a misdemeanor? That's too harsh. He does not deserve to have his record flawed for a first time speeding ticket. Fine him, make him take Driver's Ed over again or do community service but do not distort his pristine record with a frickin misdemeanor. I feel that he deserves a second chance and that the punishment does not fit the crime. Was he wrong? Yes. Was it foolish? Yes. Is he human? Yes.

The fact is he did NOT cause an accident or kill anyone, thank goodness. He sounds like a really nice guy, college educated, trying to do something positive with his life, medicine is a noble profession. The thought of something like this possibly hindering or even becoming an issue in regards to his med school acceptance is quite unnerving. I'm sure if he fights this he will win. The laws exist for a reason, certainly he was wrong but as a first timer, just by him taking the initiative to express to the court his remorse for his actions by assuming full responsibility, this will show the court that he cares enough about his future to not put himself or others at risk again. The judge will feel compelled to lower if not remove the charge against him. 🙂

 

[JaggerPlate]

You will be able to get it argued down in court. However, if you are worried about it, talk to some sort of law expert ( a local police officer, lawyer ...), because they can give you fact ( not opinion ) and let you know how to proceed from there.

 

[robnon]

Whatever? You had a spotless record for ten years, a lot of people can't say they were able to maintain a spotless record for ten years. YOU DON'T DESERVE THAT! I like the advice that cirrus gave you about pleading it down. I don't know if you find it that serious to retain an attorney but I would surely put up a fight. I really believe that you can beat that misdemeanor charge and just pay the fine, that should be suffice. Heck, I once dated a guy with a Hyabusa motorcycle, it was gorgeous and all tricked out. Anyway he NEVER followed the speed limit, I shutter at the thought of how fast we were going, there would always be at least 6 of us sometimes upward of 15. It is only by God's grace that I or anyone else was never hurt or injured. And yes, he ended up totaling his bike, so did several others. I could never judge anyone else, not only because I am not perfect but it does not make me feel good to judge people, especially when they are feeling down. I get the most joy in giving hope, encouragement and making people smile. 🙂


Because this could possibly affect his chances of gaining acceptance in medical school, employment or whatever. It is in my opinion, that a permanent etch on his record as punishment is too extreme for a first time offense. We all make mistakes, do we always deserve a second chance? Of course not. In this situation, given the fact there was no harm done, he deserves it.

He maintained a flawless driving record for over ten years and his first speeding ticket is a misdemeanor? That's too harsh. He does not deserve to have his record flawed for a first time speeding ticket. Fine him, make him take Driver's Ed over again or do community service but do not distort his pristine record with a frickin misdemeanor. I feel that he deserves a second chance and that the punishment does not fit the crime. Was he wrong? Yes. Was it foolish? Yes. Is he human? Yes.

The fact is he did NOT cause an accident or kill anyone, thank goodness. He sounds like a really nice guy, college educated, trying to do something positive with his life, medicine is a noble profession. The thought of something like this possibly hindering or even becoming an issue in regards to his med school acceptance is quite unnerving. I'm sure if he fights this he will win. The laws exist for a reason, certainly he was wrong but as a first timer, just by him taking the initiative to express to the court his remorse for his actions by assuming full responsibility, this will show the court that he cares enough about his future to not put himself or others at risk again. The judge will feel compelled to lower if not remove the charge against him. 🙂

Thank you 🙂. I agree completely. I believe I should pay a fine, do community service and I have aleady enrolled in a Driver Safety course. I don't think I deserve to have my life long dream crushed because of one speeding ticket. I have invested 5 years and a lot of money in my education. I pray this will not affect my admission to medical school. Hopefully it will get knocked down when I go to court.

 

[bigman43]

lol it wont be affected with your med school, but im telling you, plead guilty and hope for the best. pleading not guilty will **** you over, because that shows arrogance and lack of respect.

trust me, i was in the EXACT same situation (86/55, fairfax,va)

ull get a misdemeanor most likely, but it wont affect you at all, promise.

 

[bigman43]

oh yeah, my driving record was SPOTLESS as well. but i still got a misdemeanor.

 

[Abilene85]

First off, if you post something like this on a message board and ask for feedback, expect to be judged. Don't be surprised when you are.

Do I think you were wrong? Yes.
Do I think that you were driving recklessly? Yes.
Do I think that this mistake will affect your chances of getting admitted to a medical school? No.

People on the admissions committee are humans. I'm sure many if not most of them have had speeding tickets, parking tickets, etc. They likely lived through some immature teen years and did one or two things that maybe they are not so proud of. Secondaries exist for a reason. If there is some flaw on your record, you have a chance to explain yourself. Even if you are charged with a misdemeanor, when the committee finds out the details of the situation, it won't sound so scary. Just be honest. Now that you have heard from so many people and spoken with med admissions, stop being so dramatic. Repeat after me: "My life is not over due to one speeding ticket. This is not the end of my world. My dreams and aspirations do not sit crumbled at my feet." Good. Now breathe...and smile. 😀

Humans make mistakes. The great thing is that we can learn from them. I must admit that I am a little concerned about your level of maturity, though I am sure that during the application process and throughout medical school, you will grow up a lot. You seem a little bit too defensive about your actions and I don't get a sense of sincere regret from you. Reflect on the event. If it were not so irresponsible, the state would have given you a $100 ticket and sent you on your way. I just hope it does not take a crash to convince you that driving at those speeds endanger you and everyone else on the road.

 

[Raidergate]

Well I don't think you should be jailed, but a misdemeanor is probably not too far off from an acceptable punishment if you really were going 20+. And if you weren't going that fast, how fast do you claim you were going? "Well officer, I have no idea how fast I was going but I'm really really sure it wasn't 20+."

Also, I don't think the argument that it's just as dangerous to do the speed limit on the road is viable. All that really tells me is that the majority of people on I-95 are endangering people's lives and you're one of those people. But somehow I don’t believe that everyone in the right lane goes 90+. I’m sure you could have found a lane where you could have safely driven 5-10 over.

Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes. But somewhere between that time and now I grew up and realized that it’s not worth risking my life and especially the lives of other people.

And a final note. I’m not a pre-med student, I’m a medical student, and I think I’m being fair in my judgment.

Self-righteousness like this just kills me.

 

[anybutpretty]

Dude, I killed someone in a car accident a few years back, and I wasn't even speeding. I was going 26 mph. Don't pretend that 92 mph is no big deal. I think we both still deserve the chance to go to med school but it's disquieting to me that you think this is "just" a speeding ticket.