Reckless driving is a serious charge that’s related to aggressive driving, consisting of driving a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of those around. Classed as a more serious offense than careless driving, there are a number of penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or having a driver’s license suspended or revoked, but there are also a number of other unexpected repercussions of reckless driving:
A Permanent Criminal Record
While being convicted of reckless driving is classed as a criminal offense, it’s important to note that reckless driving carries a number of penalties in the state of Virginia, such as 6 points on your driving record, up to one year in jail, and six months suspension of driving privileges, as well as a fine, but you will also have a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged.
Reduced Driving Privileges
If convicted, there is the potential to lose your license for up to six months but if you are an out-of-state driver, you may also lose your privilege to drive in the state of Virginia. Additionally, a reckless driving conviction in Virginia typically results in increased insurance premiums.
Every insurance company applies internal policies, but if you are convicted of reckless driving, this generally translates to a higher risk for the insurance company, meaning that you will get higher insurance premiums. While the exact amount of the increase can vary depending on the insurance company, many people see their insurance costs rise significantly for up to a period of three years.
The increase could also be more substantial for drivers who have caused property damage or injuries, are new or inexperienced, or already have a poor driving record. In some cases, the premium could go up by more than 200% over the three years following the conviction. This means an increased financial burden which can be felt in other aspects of your life as well.
The Impact on Employment
A reckless driving conviction can have significant impacts on your employment:
Job Application Problems
Many job applications will ask about criminal records and will require disclosure of a reckless driving conviction.
Impact on Driving Responsibilities in That Role
For jobs that involve driving or are covered by company insurance, a reckless driving conviction can result in termination based on the individual’s driving record.
Employment Prospects
The impact can vary, and while some employers may consider a reckless driving conviction grounds for termination, others may evaluate each case individually, but any job that requires a clean driving record may be hugely affected by a reckless driving conviction.
An Impact on Background Checks
Reckless driving convictions can appear on background checks, particularly those that include driving records. While it’s important to be honest about any reckless driving charges or convictions when undergoing background checks, the fact that you are convicted of reckless driving can be a major red mark against your employability.
Immigration Effects
One of the lesser-spoken components of reckless driving is based on the individual seeking to become a U.S. resident or maintain their immigration status, including the eligibility for a green card.
A reckless driving conviction is considered a criminal offense that must be reported to the immigration authorities and can have an impact on the application to become a permanent US resident because immigration authorities have strict requirements for those seeking a green card.
The Emotional Effects
The emotional impacts of being convicted of reckless driving can be significant. There are potential long-term consequences:
The Stigma of a Criminal Record
Having a criminal record will affect every aspect of your life with wide-ranging effects on your employability, as already discussed, as well as personal freedom which can contribute to emotional distress.
The Increased Financial Strain
Because of the rising costs of insurance premiums, this can result in stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.
The Mental Health Impacts
All of the above factors can lead to a sense of diminished self-worth. The serious nature of the offense and its implications on various aspects of life can result in huge mental health challenges.
Therefore, it is essential for individuals facing these types of charges to seek legal guidance and support to address both the legal and emotional aspects of a reckless driving conviction.
Get Top-Tier Defense With An Experienced Reckless Driving Lawyer in Richmond, VA
If you are charged with reckless driving, having the best defense on your side is essential. Having an experienced reckless driving lawyer can help reduce the severity of the emotional and financial impact. You can schedule a free consultation with our law firm to dismiss your reckless driving charge.
