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Reckless Driving
My question involves a reckless driving ticket from the State of: PA
I have an appeal to a reckless driving citation from the state of PA. I'm completely confident that it will be reduced to a careless driving since all I did was run through a red light at 1am. However if I'm found guilty I have a few questions regarding reckless driving charges. If you could answer any or all of these questions it would be a huge help and a huge relief. Thanks.
1. Is reckless driving a criminal charge in the state of PA, or is it a civil infraction or a vehicular code infraction?
2. Will a reckless driving charge show up on a criminal background report?
3. If so, will the charge remain there forever, or is there a time period after which the charge will be removed or eradicated?
4. If so, what is the time period? (I have heard 3 years it will be removed)
5. If reckless driving is a criminal charge, can it be expunged, sealed, or otherwise removed from public view?
6. Will a reckless driving charge eliminate or greatly hinder my chances of receiving professional licensure?
7. Reckless driving is listed as a summary offense in PA. What is a summary offense in regards to my future? Can you be denied professional licensure, college admission, or scholarships due to a summary offense?
Thanks again. Any answers would be much appreciated.
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Re: Reckless Driving
Are you appealing a conviction or contesting the ticket to start with?
Reckless driving is a serious offense and is listed as criminal in some states. However, it usually just shows on your driving record. It stays on your record for as long as the state keeps them but employers and insurance companies rarely go back over 5 years and almost never past 10.
Depending on the profession, it can have an impact and cannot be expunged to my knowledge.
The biggest impact will be the huge insurance increase. Normally it is worth the expense to retain an attorney.
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Re: Reckless Driving
Thanks. I'm appealing a conviction. Yes, I know that in some states it is a misdemeanor or even a low degree felony, but in PA it is simply a summary offense. Does that make a difference? Does anyone know if it would appear on a criminal record check though?
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Re: Reckless Driving
Unless you have an attorney, your chances on appeal are about the same as a worm at a bird convention.
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Re: Reckless Driving
Reckless is a motor vehicle violation (title 75) only. Pa will keep this infraction on your driving record forever.
It will result in an automatic suspension of your license if you are convicted. If you were driving through a red light at 1am and you knew it was red then you were driving reckless.
If I were you I would get someone to help you take this appeal. If you do get careless instead of reckless you will get points that may suspend your license. With the right representation you could get no points and no suspension.
Good luck!
Vince
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Re: Reckless Driving
How much would an attorney cost for this case and how quickly would one be able to take on this case?
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Re: Reckless Driving
Cost is something you need to talk to each attorney about. I would highly recommend you get someone who understands PennDOT and how they will handle and conviction to moving violations.
The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can get working on it. Give them time to work!
Vince