If you're in the military or work for the government in a capacity that involves handling sensitive information, maintaining an active security clearance may be an essential condition of your employment. While one reckless driving charge won't necessary prevent you from keeping your security clearance, you may run into problems if there are other factors that call your judgement into question.

Maintaining Your Security Clearance

Reckless driving is typically a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is considered a criminal charge that's more serious than a simple traffic ticket. However, the charge won't automatically prevent you from keeping a valid security clearance. A number of factors will be considered, including:

  • Your position
  • Your level of security clearance
  • Whether or not this is your first reckless driving offense
  • If you have other misdemeanor offenses on your record

The rules for maintaining a security clearance become stricter as you advance in your career. For example, a low-level security clearance may only require that you report felony convictions. A mid-level clearance may be sympathetic to one mistake, but less understanding if your record suggests a pattern of irresponsible behavior. To figure out the best way to proceed, you'll need to speak to your clearance officer to learn more about how a reckless driving charge may affect your security clearance.

How an Attorney Can Help

If you maintain an active security clearance and are facing a reckless driving charge, it would be a grave mistake to simply pay the fine and accept the consequences. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you may be able to have the charge reduced to a lesser offense or dropped all together. For example, agreeing to complete a driver improvement clinic or community service may allow you to have your charge reduced to the lesser offense of improper driving.

Virginia attorney T. Kevin Wilson is committed to helping clients build an aggressive defense against reckless driving charges, with a proven record of success. To learn more about your options, call today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial case review.

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