Traffic Misdemeanor

[henwad]

A bit worried and having trouble finding complete answers. Hope this is the right place to find help.

So im a nursing student in Georgia. When out of town to visit parents, I was pulled over for speeding in Virginia. 87 in a 70. Per Virginia laws, speeding over 80 is Reckless driving, a traffic misdemeanor in Virginia. Court date is mid February, which is the middle of my final semester before graduation. I have no real ability to appeal, as I'm out of state and can't really travel due to clinicals.

I've found conflicting information concerning this. My mother in law (manager at a private Dr office) says that traffic misdemeanors don't affect the hiring process. Online, I've found people say that it could hinder my ability to get a nursing license post-graduation.

What should I do? Is there anything I can do? Any advice is appreciated.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

As long as it didn't involve impairment- you will be fine.

Also, slow down!

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

If a speeding ticket impedes your getting a Nursing license, that would really be harsh. Who has not had a speeding ticket? Reckless driving? Sounds more serious so you had better deal with it and don't ignore it.

Your planning to not go to Court is a really bad plan. An arrest warrant could be issued for you!!! You must take this ticket totally seriously. Put it ahead of everything else in your life because going to jail would really mess up your life.

Get a lawyer NOW not next week. Get this matter taken care of and do it NOW!!!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

If the ticket is issued through traffic court and it states on the citation that you don't need to attend unless you are appealing there's no need to be there if you aren't going to fight it. But, make sure you don't need to be there. If necessary call the clerk of courts to make sure you don't need to appear, as Koooky Koky said you really, really don't want a bench warrant issued for non appearance. As far as the licensing issue, I can't imagine any State's BON being so harsh that a speeding ticket would impede your ability to be licensed. I would think that as long as there was no driving while impaired the speeding itself shouldn't be a hindrance.