About eight years ago I was pulled over after driving 82 in a 70mph zone on the highway. Virginia law says that anything over 80mph is a misdemeanor and reckless driving. In my home state this would have only been a ticket for speeding 12 over. I say this not as an excuse, but just to clarify that this is not what someone would usually think when hearing the words “reckless driving” or “misdemeanor”. I had a clean record and hired a lawyer. The judge very graciously amended the charge to a non-moving violation type infraction so I did NOT receive a misdemeanor, reckless driving conviction, or criminal record. I was not arrested nor have I ever been.

The record I have seen reads the original charge, class 1 misdemeanor 82 in a 70 reckless driving (again, just so I am not misunderstood, it was only speeding 12 over, but yes I’m guilty and that alone under any circumstance is terrible). Below the original charge the record states that the charge was “amended” to a non-moving violation (infraction) with a guilty conviction.I have had a clean record since, this event fundamentally changed my driving forever. I guess the law is effective. I was not aware of the gravity of the ticket when I received it but took it very seriously with the officer none the less.

Can I possibly be a candidate for a job at a legacy airline? If they look at my record from eight years ago they will most likely see the original charge for which I was not convicted and also the amended charge (infraction) for which I was convicted. Also, how should a sitution like this be written in an application? I otherwise feel I am qualified.

Thank you