If you are stopped by police in Fairfax County and charged with reckless driving, you may be asking yourself, “can this reckless charge impact by employment?” It is a good question to ask and the answer may surprise you.
Many people charged with reckless driving in Virginia are understandably concerned with whether the offense will have long-term ramifications on their freedom, finances, and employment prospects. The unfortunate truth is that a reckless driving conviction can harm your career and hinder your ability to secure future employment.
When a Motorist May Be Charged with Reckless Driving
According to § 46.2-862 of the Code of Virginia, a motorist may be charged with reckless driving if they exceed the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more or by driving at a rate of speed in excess of 80 miles per hour, regardless of the maximum posted speed limit.
How a Reckless Driving Conviction Could Impact Your Current Job
There are certain jobs and professions where you are obligated to affirmatively report a reckless driving conviction. For example, if you work for a state or federal agency, there are regulations in place that mandate the reporting of criminal charges by employees. If you fail to report a reckless driving charge or conviction, your employer may have grounds to terminate you.
How a Reckless Driving Conviction Could Impact Future Employment
If you decide to apply for a new job, there is a good chance you will have to undergo a background check. Most background checks involve you filling out documentation about your personal history and it is quite common to encounter a question on the background check form (or even directly on a job application) asking if you were ever charged with a criminal offense. Since reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor in Virginia, you have to check that box and disclose the fact that you were charged. This is why it is so important to fight a reckless driving charge. Many people do not realize that, in Virginia, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense and is categorized differently than a mere traffic violation or infraction.
However, it is important to keep in mind that if the job application only asks if you were ever convicted of a crime, you may be able to check “no” if you were able to avoid conviction (e.g., the charges were dropped or reduced). It will depend on the specific wording within the application form.
Certain Professions Prohibit People with Reckless Driving Convictions from Securing Employment
A reckless driving conviction can limit your available career paths. For example, there are certain jobs and professions where you cannot have a reckless driving conviction on your record. For example, someone who is seeking to become a driving instructor at a Fairfax County school generally would not be a viable candidate with the reckless driving conviction. The same issue arises if you attempt to apply for a commercial driver’s license. In addition, cities and municipalities have their own rules and regulations when it comes to criminal records and a reckless driving charge and/or conviction may prohibit them from being hired or retaining a position.
Why You Need to Retain the Services of a Skilled Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer in Fairfax County
As you see, the impact of a reckless driving charge can be significant. This is why it is critically important to retain the services of a skilled and aggressive Fairfax County reckless driving defense attorney. You should not try to take on the state government alone. Your freedom, and your long-term professional future, are far too important.
Take Action – Contact the Dua Law Firm’s Reckless Driving Attorney’s in Fairfax Today
The legal team of the Dua Law Firm understands how to effectively and efficiently advocate and negotiate for our clients, including those confronting serious reckless driving charges. We stand ready to help. Schedule a free, confidential consultation, by contacting our office at (703) 539-8092. Our legal team looks forward to working with you.
If you are interested in additional information about your legal rights when charged with reckless driving, check out this reckless driving-related article.