Can I hold public office in Virginia if I’m convicted of reckless driving?

In most cases, you can run for office or you can continue to serve in office if you are convicted of reckless driving. Virginia law only restricts someone’s right to hold office if he is convicted of a felony—and most reckless driving convictions are misdemeanors rather than felonies. While reckless driving misdemeanors are serious charges with significant consequences, you still have the right to serve on the school board, zoning commission, in the state legislature, or in another public office if you can get enough votes to be elected.

The Same Is Not True If You Are Convicted of a Felony

You may be convicted of a reckless driving felony if you were racing and the racing caused someone else’s serious injury or death. This felony conviction carries different consequences than the more typical reckless driving misdemeanor conviction.

Since you have been convicted of a felony, you have automatically lost certain civil rights. These rights include the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, the right to carry a firearm, the right to become a notary public, and the right to run for public office.

While you automatically lose these civil rights, the Virginia constitution does provide you with the right to petition the governor for the restoration of your rights. You can do this by contacting the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office. In order to be eligible for consideration, your incarceration or supervision must be over.

Try to Prevent a Felony Conviction From Happening

A reckless driving felony conviction can significantly alter your plans to run for public office. Even if you are ultimately able to get the governor to restore your right to run for office, you may expect your political opponents to use your felony conviction against you.

Accordingly, it is important to protect your rights beginning at the time that the police officer gives you a reckless driving ticket. Contact T. Kevin Wilson today, through this website or by phone, for a free, no-obligation consultation and learn what you can do right now to protect your ability to run for office, your civil rights, your finances, and your freedom.