What You Need to Know About the National Crime Information Center If You’ve Been Convicted of Reckless Driving

Since reckless driving is considered a criminal offense and not a simple traffic violation, a conviction is reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This electronic database of crime is often called the lifeline of law enforcement because it can be easily accessed by nearly all criminal justice agencies in the United States.

About the NCIC Database

Launched on January 27, 1967, the NCIC now has over 12 million active records in 21 files and averages more than 12.6 million transactions per day. Every agency that participates in the maintenance of this database is required to follow specific guidelines for ensuring that records are accurate and updated in a timely fashion.

The NCIC databases report both arrests and convictions. The database is permanent, so information on your case never goes away. However, the public does not have access to this information. Employers can only access NCIC data in certain regulated circumstances, such as conducting pre-employment screenings for positions that involve working with children or dependent adults. Attempting to access the NCIC database without proper authorization can result in criminal charges.

For the typical civilian, the most common use of the NCIC database occurs during traffic stops. Law enforcement officers check NCIC records to ensure that a person does not have a warrant out for their arrest. The license plate of the vehicle is also checked to make sure it is not stolen.

Difference Between NCIC and DMV Records

Many Virginia drivers who are worried about the effect of a reckless driving conviction often confuse the NCIC database with the state's DMV records. A reckless driving conviction stays on your state DMV record for 11 years, but is never removed from the federal NCIC database.

Your DMV driving record is what is used to set your auto insurance rates. You can expect to pay higher rates for auto insurance while a reckless driving conviction is on your record.

Building an Aggressive Defense Against Reckless Driving Charges

Although NCIC records can only be accessed under limited circumstances, it's a mistake to simply plead guilty to reckless driving and accept the consequences. To learn more about building an aggressive defense against your reckless driving charge, call 703-361-6100 or contact Virginia attorney T. Kevin Wilson to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.