Got caught, could use some advice - United Bimmer Community

**Rooz** · 12-11-2006, 02:21 AM

Before you guys start rampaging this thread and bashing me, trust me, I really do feel stupid about what I did, and I know that I made a mistake…..

Well…. Needless to say, I feel really stupid about this story. Went out bowling with the gf a few nights ago and some of our friends. We had a blast everything was great, get out to go grab some to eat, and I had the bright idea of making the comment “nice looking parking lot”. Now, please keep in mind that when it comes to “doing things with the car”, am not one to ever fall under pressure, but Gf gets all excited, oh, oh, can you please do a burnout, please, please… and she gives me that cute, puppy look that I can’t resist. Sure…. Tell you what; we’ll even do a doughnut.

Keep in mind it’s probably close to 1 AM at this point, so I roll around the parking lot, to my surprise the car was still warm, and find a good spot to let it rip, it was just our cars around the parking lot, and it seemed pretty safe. So I do two nice doughnuts and roll on out of the parking lot, get in the turning lane and get on the road, not even two seconds later I see flashing blue lights ….

SO, the cop comes up, does the usual license and registration ordeal, and asks me “any particular reason you were doing doughnuts” “No officer, was just a stupid mistake”

He goes to his car and comes back with a pink slip, a citation; I have to appear in court…

My record is clear as it can be, never had a driving violation in the past. What do you guys think will happen?

I really can’t afford to get points on the license and have to pay crazy insurance rates, my father is suggesting I get a lawyer, but I dunno, this is my first offence, I’m guessing I’ll be able to take that defensive driving class and call it a day.

Here's what it says on the citation...

**RSF5** · 12-11-2006, 03:12 AM

It is your first offense? Be courteous and sincere. Dress nicely, Khakis and button up shirt. No Tee-Shirt and jeans. Say yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am. Make eye contact. Tell them it was a stupid mistake. Since it is your first offense the will not be that hard on you. You might get some community service, or even a fine, but I’m guessing that they won’t report it to the insurance if they give you that. Mostly it based on how good a day everyone’s having. Make sure you appear to take the entire situation very seriously. Your name will be called by the court solicitor and you go and talk to them. They represent the court, they will see that you are a smart kid that just made a mistake and probably give you a deal, say they drop the whole thing and not report it to insurance if you take a class and do community service. The judge will call you up to the bench and talk to you. If the judge’s mother was run over walker and all by a kid in a BMW in a parking lot doing dough-nuts you are fucked. Unless their some kind of prick they will ask you about things like school, stuff like that and then tell you what you have to do and make sure you don’t do it again. Then you sign papers and leave.

**Dudesky** · 12-11-2006, 05:24 AM

I say get a lawyer.

Your girlfriend =

She's supposed to be your BETTER side

**c1apton** · 12-11-2006, 08:19 AM

The initial court appearance is just a preliminary and they'll just discuss circumstances and you'll have to plea guilty or not. (or no contest) Tell them nicely as you explained to us and they'll more than likely reduce fine & points (if there are any pts involved - since parking lots are USUALLY private property) You should get by with a small fine & driving school.

**94bmw325i** · 12-11-2006, 08:31 AM

I have only got speeding tickets, and had a nice judge that just gave me a lecture. And my insurance didnt go up either, even though I also wrecked a car..odd.

But as long as you are polite and make it appear that you feel bad for what you did. You should just have a small fine, but you probably will get a few points for doing donuts. I don't see how you would not get any for that. A friend of mine did donuts once, but he got some extra fine for damaging roads or some BS.

good luck with it!

nick_318is · 12-11-2006, 09:32 AM

Might want to look into a lawyer. Other then that explain that you cruised around the lot to make sure there was no one to injure and explain that you know it was dangerous and you were putting yourself and your girlfriend in danger. Hope to get off with a fine as a slap on the wrist.

**Rooz** · 12-11-2006, 11:04 AM

Found out that this "infraction" is a "reckless driving to endanger" due to the first part of what he wrote.. "without due caution and circumspection and in a manner to endanger persons and property..." - that's how he spelled it...

Been calling lawyers since this morning, found one that says he can get it taken care of without having any points on my license or my insurance, he seemed like a really snob and cocky lawyer (I guess a good thing).

Gonna cost me $300 though...

nick_318is · 12-11-2006, 11:32 AM

$300 is probably less then what the cost on an insurace increase would be (esspecially in the long run). I Imagine that reckless driving will carry a heavy point pentaly.

**mullethunter3** · 12-11-2006, 11:41 AM

Rooz, All the laws change dramatically from state to state. So unless anyone here lives in NC and has dealt with this, their is going to be a margin for error in their statements.

Be smart, research the laws that you are under and find the best way to go about it. I've learned the hard way and have 5 points on my liscense now, mainly because I didn't figure out how to tip-toe through the tulips with Missouri law. I went on "hear-say".

Just my $0.02.

**94bmw325i** · 12-11-2006, 11:43 AM

I assume maybe 3 - 4 points? Thats a decent amount isn't it?

If $300 gets you a lawyer that should be a lot cheaper. I wonder if he is one of those lawyers where if he doesnt win he doesn't get payed. Probably not lol

**RSF5** · 12-11-2006, 12:58 PM

Yeah get the lawyer and if he doesn't make good on his promise, KILL HIM!

drz · 12-11-2006, 02:42 PM

I would go the lawyer route. $300 sounds awfully cheap to me.

**Dr1ve4fun** · 12-11-2006, 02:47 PM

dam..that sucks..I think I would get the lawyer though.. heh..I'm lucky I didn't get pulled over on I10 the other night...there was no traffic so I decided to go faster..and then a cop flew by me. I'm not going to say how fast I was going though...I just got lucky he was busy.

**Numark318i** · 12-11-2006, 06:04 PM

DONUTS FTW.

Ticket FTL.
Assuming you didnt get it on tape?
Good luck with court/ticket..etc. Im sure you will be fine. First offence..just dont do it again i guess.

**c1apton** · 12-11-2006, 06:10 PM

"Mullet-babe" has a good point, we're all speculating on our states conditions and past experiences. Check your local statutes and ask folks that live in your state. The lawyer should be last resort because he will do pretty much nothing and make $300. You're not fighting the issue that you were in the wrong - correct? So why the lawyer? You only need a lawyer if you're fighting the actual situation.