How do I go about handling this court summons?
Hello, I live in New Jersey and recently went to go visit some family in Virginia. I borrowed my step-dad's car for the drive over and because I'm not familiar with the car I didn't have my headlights on. (My car has such dim headlights that I assumed the actual headlights on his car were brights!)
I was speeding (81mph in a 55mph zone) because I was so close to arriving at my destination and got pulled over. Yes, speeding was a bad idea. That was my fault.
The officer gave me a warning for the headlights when I explained to him that it wasn't my car, but I did receive a summons for speeding (or reckless driving, rather). I'm only 19 and I live in New Jersey. I suppose he was helping me out because he told me that I had to appear in court, however, if I didn't appear, nothing would happen. Those were his exact words. My court date is on April 23rd. He showed me the number at the bottom of the summons and told me that if I called on April 24th that they would just have me pay the fine for what happened and that nothing would happen to me, per say, for not showing up in court.
I'm a little concerned. I've never been pulled over before and the whole situation seems serious. I've received five letters from attorneys in Virginia advertising their assistance to me. It would be a big hassle for me to head back down to Virginia solely to appear in court.
I'm getting anxiety over the whole situation. I'm asking for advice. Should I believe the police officer and just wait until the 24th to call the number and receive my fine? Or should I call some of these attorneys for assistance?
Also, apologies for my lack of terminology, but I don't have my actual license yet. I have a.. Provisional license, I believe it's called. I got my license late and have yet to obtain my actual license. Would this whole situation work against me getting my actual license, too?
Any advice/answers would help me. Thank you!