When does a Bad Driving Record Become Good?

Driving Histories Can Stay With You
Longer Than Criminal Records

I was recently asked by a person with a DWI (less than 2 years ago) what should they should answer on an employment application if they are asked?"

"Do You have a Good Driving Record?"

My answer: I think it would depend upon the job and duties. If it were a job that involved driving, then my answer might be never. The DWI/DUI/OUI is going to be there on a background check for a long time. In NYS it would be there on your lifetime DMV history for your lifetime. In other states like PA, it's at least 10 years, and even then with a little digging or the government it wouldn't be hard to find it.

Why, possibly NEVER?

An employer is concerned about their insurance costs overall. The cost of getting you insured under a corporate auto/truck policy may be ridiculous. If someone had merely speeding tickets and/or other moving violations then these would be more time dependent (how long ago), and age dependent (how old were you then, how old are you now). Things that happened when you were in your teens or early twenties may be forgiven by the time you reach your thirties.

NYS Plea Bargain Look Back Periods

For plea bargain purposes on new tickets and/or moving violations the usual prosecutorial (District Attorney) look back period is 18 months. The NYS DMV holds stuff against you on points and/or speeds for 18 months as well. BUT caution thinking you are safe after 18 months because with more serious traffic offenses accumulated over time, this 18 month look back may not even matter.

Serious Traffic Infractions

Speeds of 15mph or more
Reckless Driving
Unsafe Lane Change
Following Too Closely
License Suspensions and Revocations

What About Cleaning Your driving Record in States with Youthful Offender Status (NYS), ARD (PA), Expungement (PA), and Sealing of DUI/DWI/OUI Records?

NYS has special YO (youthful offender) status for crimes committed before the age of 19. DWI criminal convictions are vacated, and closed for public scrutiny BUT your DMV license history will still show the DWI.

PA has ARD (accelerated rehabilitative disposition) which will get rid of a first DUI criminal conviction and expunge it from your criminal history BUT your PA DOT license history will still show the DUI for 10 years.

Administrative Histories and Punishments Will Linger for a Long Time

Remember that even in states that clean up criminal court histories, and records your driving history is another story. License records and histories will always reveal Administrative sanctions. With national internet databases these records will reveal past license suspensions, license revocations, and actions.

As they say, "time heals all wounds." 

Always remember to consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184

Reviews of Larry Newman:

http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/14850-ny-lawrence-newman-530905.html

Chosen as a 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI in Upstate New York by Super Lawyers

Ignorance of the Law is NOT a Legal Defense

"Where Ignorance is Bliss,

'tis folly to be wise."

                                           From a Poem by Thomas Grey

I get phone calls, emails, and texts daily asking the same question over and over, what if I didn't know that was the law? In my state it's ok to.  I didn't know that in New York State:

1. It's illegal to use my portable GPS, iPod, etc. while driving, I thought it was just phone calls?
2. It's illegal to not change lanes when I saw an emergency vehicle or police car pulled to the right?
3. It's illegal to use my medical marijuana (for which I have a card in NJ/CA) in New York State?

Upon the entry points to many states there are signs posted concerning their move over laws and their phone/electronic device law, but are they always apparent and easy to see?

Ignorance of the Law is Not an Excuse or a Valid Legal Defense

We are held to all the rules and laws of whatever jurisdiction (state/country/province) we find ourselves in or visiting. Here's another recent example:

One of my neighbors placed a package by the building mail boxes:

Does he have to be told by the Postal Service
You can't do this!

The US postal rule as posted on a local mailbox,
does his box weigh over 13 ounces, you betcha!

Rules and Laws of Wherever You Are are Important to KNOW

My neighbor won't be arrested for this but his package ain't going to move very far. Does he have to learn the postal rules and laws? How many of our rules are common sense and how many are open for interpretation? 

In GA and Ohio you can't ride a bicycle high or impaired or intoxicated? You can in NYS. In PA you can't ride a horse or horse drawn carriage high or impaired or intoxicated? You can in NYS. 

Who knows any of this stuff? In Colorado many now know that marijuana is legal both recreationally and medically. But although smoking and possession are legal you Can NOT legally smoke in public areas.

Always remember to consult with an attorney about any criminal or non-criminal charges you have pending to discuss your options and/or defenses.

http://www.ithacadwi.com

newman.lawrence@gmail.com

607-229-5184

Reviews of Larry Newman:

http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/14850-ny-lawrence-newman-530905.html

Chosen as a 2013 Rising Star in DWI/DUI in Upstate New York by Super Lawyers