vr6aaron said:
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54060&highlight=vr6aaron
Hey guys i need some help here. I was at the movie theather checking out the times to see what was showing. All of a sudden a cop pulls of next to me and yells this isnt a parkinig space move your car, i was like wtf:hmm: And to my suprise it was the cop that arrested me and charged me with reckless driving. I totaly freaked out, is this guy following me. I quickly parked my car and saw the cop circle the parking lot like two times. I was like this cant be happing.
Is there any way the cops can tap into your the gps? Or am i just being paranoid? This was like the first time i drove my car since the incident. I cant belive this i have freakin Dirty Harry following me around.
Aaron:
I will tell you from experience and early on in my career about two factual things:
- first you are being paranoid and that is a "good thing" as you are being attentive.
- secondly, your chances of obtaining a second violation prior to your court date increase substantially if you are "over-paranoid" and forget to do the simple things like signaling before making a lane change; so just be careful.
Also remember what I told you early on in your first thread when you were looking for legal advice:
First and foremost; hire the very best criminal traffic attorney that you can afford and do that NOW! Do not wait until a month or two before your court date. The very good lawyers have a full book and he may have to file for a continuince if he is in court that day when you are supposed to appear.
Secondly, when meeting with your attorney; be honest; however DO NOT under any circumstances use the following terms or adjectives to describe your CADILLAC
- CTSV
- 400 Horsepower
- High Performance
- Euro-Sedan Slayer!
- Deserted & Dark Highway; late at night & wanted to see what "she" could do and offer up that there was no alcohol involved or other motorists on the highway as a defense as that will get you nowhere!
- You were attempting to see if it really would go from 0-60 in "under 5" as alleged by Cadillac.
The bottom line is stay away from any and all things that "paints a picture" in the judges mind you were driving a "performance vehicle".
You want the "old judge" to have the perception you were driving a " Traditional Cadillac" and here is what will come to mind with regard to the perception that the judge will form in his mind:
"You and your wife were lumbering down the highway late at night on your way home after seeing a movie to relieve the babysitter in your Cadillac. Who drives a Cadillac in the judges mind is the question you want to answer!
And here is the answer or perception of "who drives a Cadillac"; a successful, middle-upper class and aresponsible and financially stable good neighbor. In other words, your the guy that I would want living next door to me in my subdivision. ( This new Cadillac is a big old boat with a big Cadillac engine, air suspension and insulated so well from outside sound that you couldn't hear a hand grenade go off!).
The judge will see from the registration that it is new and will realize that it was late at night, the road was deserted and the movie ran longer than expected and as a result the following occurred:
- You were in a hurry to get home to relieve the babysitter.
- You are guilty of "inattention" and did not realize that you were traveling as fast as you were. Your record will reflect that.
- You were driving a New Cadillac ( shows stability and financial responsibility etc)
- Apologize, apologize, apologize to the court, the judge and the police officer.
- DO NOT ANSWER ANY UNASKED QUESTIONS!
I would almost bet that the judge who presides over your case more than likely owned a Cadillac at some time in his career and is familiar with the road quiteness of the vehicle and your story will sound allot more palatable when you tell him you were driving a "Cadillac" and just didn't realize that you were traveling at such a high rate of speed given the fact that the road was deserted and it was late at night and you were in a rush to relieve the babysitter. That sounds a whole lot better than using words like performance and 400 HP and CTSV etc, etc.
Your going to be fine and I feel confident that with a very good attorney and the right pre-trial planning of your testimony; you'll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome given your spotless character, driving record and background. Also, if your involved in any community or charitable work, tell your attorney as that goes along way with reputation and character building in front of the judge.
Being humble and apologetic and taking responsibility in an adult manner will provide you a very surprising outcome. Remember what I told you, judges are NOT OUT to trash the driving records of otherwise responsible and upstanding citizens based on a moment of inattention or poor judgement.
Best of luck - Pete
