Do you have a question about “How to Get Reckless Driving Off Your Record in Virginia?” Talk about your options with The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. now, and don’t let a reckless driving charge hold you back!
Consequences of Having a Reckless Driving Charge on Your Record:
- Higher insurance rates: Because insurance companies believe that drivers who drive recklessly are more likely to be involved in accidents, they frequently impose higher rates on those who have a history of reckless driving.
- Difficulty finding a job: Many employers are hesitant to hire persons with criminal records, particularly those that involve traffic violations.
- License suspension: You could lose up to six points on your license if you are found guilty of reckless driving. It may be challenging to get to and from work and school, and suspended driver’s licenses can make it hard for you to get to and from work, school, and other important appointments.
- Travel difficulties: Because some countries have admission requirements for those with criminal records, a reckless driving conviction may make it challenging to travel to other nations.
- Negative impact on your reputation: Being found guilty of reckless driving can have a negative effect on your reputation in both your personal and professional spheres.
Can I have my reckless driving record expunged?
Removing these charges from your record can be done in two ways:
- Expungement: In Virginia, you may expunge convictions for reckless driving ten years after the date of the conviction.
- Record Sealing: Though it is comparable to expungement, record sealing does not remove your criminal history from your record. Rather, it renders your record private, making it inaccessible to the majority of employers and other parties. If, during the ten years that have elapsed after your conviction for reckless driving, you have not committed any other crimes, you may be able to have your record sealed in Virginia.
How to Get Reckless Driving Removed from Your Record in Virginia?:
You will need to submit a petition to the court to have a reckless driving charge removed from your record. Since the procedure might be complicated, speaking with an attorney is highly recommended.
Your lawyer will assist you in putting together the required documentation and submitting the petition to the court if you are qualified for record sealing or expungement. After that, the court will set a hearing to consider your petition. Your conviction for reckless driving will be expunged from your record if the court accepts your petition.
Can My Reckless Driving Conviction Be Expunged?
In Virginia, you can remove a conviction for careless driving, but in order to qualify for expungement, a few conditions need to be satisfied. In order to have a conviction for reckless driving wiped off your record, you have to:
- Have received a Virginia careless driving conviction.
- Possess no prior convictions for crimes.
- Have fulfilled all requirements associated with your sentence, including any fines, incarceration, and probation.
- Have waited ten years since your conviction date.
If you meet all of these requirements, you have the option to petition the court to have the conviction for careless driving revoked. After that, the court will arrange a hearing to discuss your petition. Your conviction for reckless driving will be expunged from your record if the court accepts your petition.
Benefits of Expunging a Reckless Driving Conviction:
Expunging a reckless driving conviction has several advantages, including:
- Better employment opportunities: Many companies don’t hire persons with criminal histories. You will increase your chances of being hired if you delete your conviction for reckless driving.
- Lower insurance rates: Those with a history of reckless driving are subject to higher insurance rates from insurance companies. Your conviction for careless driving may be expunged, which could result in cheaper insurance costs for you.
- Protected reputation: A conviction for reckless driving can harm your reputation. You can safeguard your reputation, and the negative impacts of having a criminal record can be avoided by having your conviction for reckless driving expunged.
Criteria for Record Removal:
To delete a Virginia reckless driving charge from your record, you need to take certain steps. You have to fulfil the following requirements:
- You have to have a Virginia driving conviction for recklessness.
- You must not be convicted of any other crimes.
- All requirements of your sentence, such as any fines, jail time, and probation, must have been satisfied.
- It is required that ten years have passed from the date of your conviction. You have the option to petition the court to have your conviction for reckless driving revoked if you satisfy all of these requirements.
Reducing Reckless Driving to Improper Driving:
Another approach to get a reckless driving offence removed from your record is to reduce it to improper driving. Improper driving has less negative effects and is a less serious infraction than driving recklessly. You need to make an application with the court to have a reckless driving charge reduced to improper driving. It would help if you justified your fee reduction in the motion.
Any supporting documents, such as letters from family members or friends attesting to your moral character, may also be included. After that, the court will convene a hearing to consider your motion. Your accusation of reckless driving will be reduced to inappropriate driving if the judge allows your motion.
Steps to Take If Charged with Reckless Driving:
If accused of reckless driving in Virginia, you should take a few vital actions:
- Recognize your charges: Understanding the precise charges you are facing is the first step. It entails reading the summons you were issued by the police officer and learning about the reckless driving regulations in Virginia.
- Engage a qualified traffic lawyer: In addition to representing you in court, a traffic attorney can guide you in grasping your rights and available legal options.
- Assemble evidence: Get any supporting documentation you can as soon as you can, such as witness statements or dashcam film.
- Attend every court session: Even if you have legal representation, you must show up to all of your court appearances. A warrant for your arrest could be issued if you don’t show up for court.
- Be ready to assist when needed: Be prepared to accept a plea bargain if the prosecution offers one to you. You may be able to escape a more serious conviction and harsher punishments by taking a plea offer.
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understand that every situation is different. We customise our legal strategies to your unique situation rather than using general approaches, guaranteeing a favourable potential result for your case.
For a consultation, contact The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. immediately. Allow us to assist you with your reckless driving cases. You can rely on us to provide the personalised care and legal assistance you need for a better future.