I was recently charged with "Reckless Driving" in California involving no injuries no alcohol, perhaps the most unfortunate incident of my life. I know that it is a traffic misdemeanor, will this have any present and future immigration consequences? I am a british national on a work visa in the US.

Were you fingerprinted or merely ticketed? Either way it wouldn't jeopardize your immigration status. You still may want to plead it down to some lesser offense for auto insurance reasons. On immigration applications that ask about arrests, I'd write in "traffic offense - reckless driving".

Thanks for your quick response. Unfortunately, I was fingerprinted, would this have any bearing on my Green Card Application?

- Rich

The arrest may cause a processing delay, but should not have any adverse impact on the application itself. Of course if you fail to disclose it on the application it could cause problems with your credibility and your application.

That must have been some road rage. Is it considered a misdemeanor in California? Have you gone to court yet?

It is considered a misdemeanor in California, I have been to the court and have plead "no contest" to the charge. The penalties were a couple of hundred dollars in fine and one year of informal probation after which the charges will be dismissed by the court. I do intend to disclose everything to the Immigration counsel.

I very much appreciate your response.

Thanks and have a great weekend!