The short answer to this question is that reckless driving stays on your criminal record forever if you are found guilty. It does not go away and it cannot be expunged. Reckless driving offenses can remain on your record forever. If you do not obey the speed limit and the traffic laws they can stay on your record.
In Virginia, reckless driving is classified as a class 1 criminal misdemeanor. A conviction of reckless driving will result in a permanent criminal record for the misdemeanor. There is currently no way to expunge a criminal misdemeanor in Virginia for reckless driving.
As noted, the criminal aspect of your record is one thing. Your driving record is a different story. Does reckless driving go on your record? When you get speeding tickets or other traffic violations that are not misdemeanors, those only impact your driving history and your driving record.
They can often result in points on your driving record, and they can impact insurance rates. However, your criminal record is separate and different from your driving record.
Because reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense, it will leave you with a permanent criminal record if you do not get the charge reduced or dismissed. That can have lifelong consequences that include employment and insurance consequences.
How will your insurance company view a conviction for the criminal offense of reckless driving? How will it impact your driving privileges? How long will it stay on your record?
There are a lot of potential issues with reckless driving in Virginia. It is even more complicated if you are not licensed in Virginia.
Virginia answers the question, How long does a reckless stay on your record?
However, your home state if you are not licensed in Virginia, will decide whether or not to suspend your driver's license. So if you are licensed in a different state, your home state will decide whether or not you can continue to drive after a reckless driving conviction.
Every state is different. Some states have automatic license suspensions for reckless driving. Some states like North Carolina and Massachusetts even suspend for simple traffic infractions.
Contact an experienced Virginia reckless driving lawyer who may be able to help you get the charge reduced or dismissed before it is too late. If you have a clean driving record you may be able to get a charge of reckless driving reduced or dismissed. A reckless driving conviction is a serious offense that carries the potential for jail time and it can add a number of points to your driving record with the department of motor vehicles.
Anyone charged with reckless driving in Virginia should immediately contact a Virginia traffic lawyer. We offer free consultations for reckless driving and Leavitt & Martin can advise you on the best path forward.
Many judges in Virginia will consider helping out and we can get most charges reduced or dismissed. Sometimes there are things you can do before your court date that will help in court. Taking a proactive approach will often minimize the chances that you have lifelong consequences for reckless driving.
Call us at 804-873-4004 for a free consultation today. We will provide you with an honest evaluation of your case and you will speak with an attorney directly.