[CJFusco]

As you can guess from the subject, I got pulled over tonight by local police. He says he clocked me at 90, and anything over 85 is considered "reckless driving" in CT (the summons/complaint code is 14-222). I have no excuse: it was a clear, dry night with no traffic, I was sober, I was driving my Porsche, and I was having fun and going a bit faster than I should have.

I'm scheduled to appear in court in two weeks.

Now, I know that this is potentially serious, and I'm not shirking responsibility: I was speeding, and I got caught. I am aware that the penalties range from not very severe ($100 fine) to very severe (30 days in jail) and everything in between (license suspended for 30 days).

The possibilities have me feeling anxious. I'm reading that a lot of people who have found themselves in similar situations are advised to appear alone in court the first time and see if the judge will give them a fine and/or reduce the charge. Others say to hire a lawyer, even if it's a first offense.

Some background -- I have no arrests on my record, although I have a vague recollection of having to appear in court for something speeding-related when I was in high school, which was over 20 years ago at this point. I remember having to pay a fine, and don't think I was formally charged with anything. I haven't been pulled over in about 12-15 years.

Have any of you been down this road before? What would be your advice?