<p>I was wondering what types of traffic violations can keep one from getting into the academy. I recently got a ticket and I am not sure until I go to court whether it is a misdemeanor, reckless driving ticket, or what. I just want to know if any of those may have an effect on my acceptance.</p>
<p>Do you have an Appointment already? </p>
<p>I do not know the answer to your question. I remember there was a section on my son's I-day paperwork for a basic cadet to self report any violations.</p>
<p>What was the ticket for?</p>
<p>Usually not that bad, unless it's a DUI or something.</p>
<p>My ticket was for reckless driving, or so I think it will be. My court date is at the end of March so I am not sure how it will be charged yet. I have not been appointed to the academy yet. If it is a reckless driving ticket then it will be considered a class 2 misdemeanor.</p>
<p>A very good lawyer might be worth the investment. Most cities have lawyers that specialize in that sort of thing. A complete dismissal might be possible. In a smaller town, find a lawyer that knows the system, explain the situation and hope for the best. As far as the academy goes, you will be given the opportunity to report problems like that. Do not lie or withhold information in any way. However, it might be wise to be discrete, since none of us really knows how much trouble you are in or how the academy will view it. It's probably a much greater problem if you were to get suspended or kicked out of school. That's been known to stop an appointment cold. Just make sure this has been a learning experience for you. Good luck!</p>
<p>I'm a lawyer and I second the recommendation that you get a lawyer. Your academy appointment is too important. At this point it's just a ticket and you're not guilty of anything. You don't want a reckless driving conviction if you can avoid it. Unless you caused damage or injury, you likely have an excellent chance at a diversion agreement. Under a diversion agreement the charge is held in abeyance pending completion of remedial action such as attending traffic school and having no other offenses for a year. Upon successfully completing the conditions of the diversion agreement, the charge is dismissed and there is no record of any conviction at all. Alternatively, an experienced lawyer should be able to get the prosecutor to accept a plea to a lesser offense such as speeding. You pay a fine and pay your lawyer, but you don't end up with a disqualifying conviction (I'm assuming a mere speeding ticket is not disqualifying for an academy appointment).</p>
<p>I got a speeding ticket going 16 miles per hour over and I still got my appointment. They will have you fax a letter desrcibing all details of the indident and if booze/drugs are not involved I am willing to bet they will waive you for it.</p>
<p>I agree with kcraig's post. You definitely need to retain an attorney. An appointment to the academy is too precious to risk losing. Just think of the legal fees and/or fines as an investment in your future education and career.</p>
<p>And don't get me wrong. I don't condone or minimize reckless driving. Genuine reckless driving reflects poorly on one's judgment. However, some cops like to target the younger set and will issue a reckless driving citation to an 18 year old for something they might only give a much older driver a speeding ticket or even a warning for. Bias is real. Mistakes occur.</p>
<p>One last thing: don't publish the details of the incident on the Internet. Tell your lawyer, and your lawyer alone.</p>
<p>Yeah again I would definitely not worry about the ticket because I got a ticket for going over at a pretty high speed and I still got my appointment.. Of course you have to explain to them why, but I'm sure that if it is a logical reason or understandable reason then you should definitely have no trouble with it affecting your appointment..</p>
<p>Seeing how fast most of those airplanes go, I wouldn't worry too much about a speeding ticket. Were you going Mach 1 in your car, they would actually probably be impressed! :)</p>
<p>I think he understands what's going to happen if he has a speeding ticket. BUT, he has a ticket for speeding AND wreckless driving.</p>