Blog Post
Recent Updates
March 20, 2011
Proposed Virginia Law Would Give Sex Crime Victims More Time to Sue
October 21, 2010
What is a Reckless Driving Summons?
October 21, 2010
What is the legal standard for a DWI or DUI stop and arrest in Fairfax County Virginia?
October 16, 2010
Victims of Crimes in Virginia Can Sue for Compensation
October 15, 2010
Distracted Driving Continues, Fairfax Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer and Car Accident Attorney Notes Cell Phone Laws Are Not Working
October 15, 2010
Critical Mistakes to Avoid After Being Charged with DWI/DUI in Virginia - Calling the Police Officer to Discuss Your Case
October 14, 2010
Drunk Driver Involved in Accident that Kills Passenger
October 14, 2010
Reckless Driving Charge Against Redskins' Williams Dismissed
July 02, 2010
Surviving a Virginia DWI/DUI or Reckless Driving Charge
November 29, 2009
Virginia Court Rules Additional Proof Needed in Prosecution for Trespassing
Archives
Reckless Driving Charge Against Redskins' Williams Dismissed
October 14, 2010
Topic: Reckless Driving & Traffic
A reckless driving charge against Redskins Trent Williams was dismissed by a substitute judge in Fairfax County General District Court this week.
The charge itself, which is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6 month loss of license, was generated when Fairfax County police officer A. Bronson pulled over Williams in the early morning hours of June 6 for driving 90 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.
As in most reckless driving cases, the officer provided a notarized calibration purportedly showing that the speedometer of her cruiser had been calibrated and was found to be accurate. A calibration was necessary for the case to proceed because rather than using radar or laser to determine Williams' speed, the officer conducted a pace of his vehicle and determined his speed by looking at her speedometer as she kept her cruiser equidistant from his car.
Prosecutors rarely, if ever, bring the person to court that serviced the police cruiser and calibrated its speedometer. Rather, they rely on a sworn certificate from the mechanic stating that he calibrated the officer's vehicle and found the speedometer to be accurate. In Williams' case, however, the Commonwealth prodcued the county mechanic who serviced the cruiser. When this individual testified, it was revealed that there were certain gaps in his memory as to what vehicles he actually calibrated and that although the calibration purported to be notarized, he never signed the document in front of a notary. Based upon this testimony, the calibration was excluded from evidence and the case was dismissed.
To speak with a Fairfax Virginia Reckless Driving Traffic Defense Attorney, contact Manikas Law LLC | Visit our main website or call us at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075 to speak with a Fairfax Virginia Reckless Driving Traffic Defense Attorney | We offer a free, no obligation consultation by former Fairfax prosecutor Kyle G. Manikas.
