Question about careless driving conviction.

McNulty737

I have a conviction for careless driving for a speeding related offence dated back to 2004. I received a fine and a 3 year endorsement on my licence - but i was not suspended from driving for any period.

On a job application it asks "have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence in the republic of ireland?". My question is does this careless driving conviction constitute a criminal conviction?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Lawstudent21

No, as long as you payed the fixed charge notice within the specified time limit and court proceedings were not commenced, you will not have a criminal record in respect of the offences.

McNulty737

I actually did have to go court, the original charge was dangerous driving, but it was reduced to careless driving and the judge imposed the endorsement.

mathepac

McNulty737 wrote: »

I have a conviction for careless driving for a speeding related offence dated back to 2004. I received a fine and a 3 year endorsement on my licence - ...

Requires a mandatory court appearance?

coylemj

Technically a conviction in court for a parking offence is a 'criminal conviction' though for most people the bar is much higher. Could you give us a hint as to the type of prospective employer you're dealing with? If it's private sector then they are probably only interested in convictions for theft/fraud/drugs, they probably don't care about relatively minor driving offences though what some people consider 'minor' could be a show-stopper for others.

You will have a problem if you raise your dilemma with the prospective employer; if you ask someone in HR, they will feel duty bound (and to cover their ass) to tell you to give a full answer to the question i.e. full disclosure. If on the other hand you keep quiet about the conviction and the new job involves a company car, your insurance cover could be declared void by the insurance company if they find out about your (undeclared) conviction and you would be fired.

Reloc8

It is a criminal conviction (albeit quite minor) and if the question asked does not exclude the Road Traffic Acts you must disclose it if you are answering the question honestly.

McNulty737

Thanks for the advice folks, I included it on the application form.