[WI] How do I remove a ticket from my commercial record?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how concerning it must be to find a sanction on your license for something you didn’t do. Can you confirm if you have received any official documentation regarding the reckless driving ticket?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you had any previous incidents or tickets on your driving record that might be related to this situation?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the traffic lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your reckless driving ticket.

Brandon

Hi there and welcome to AskaLawyer. My name is Brandon, and I'm an attorney. I'd be happy to help you out today. Please note that this discussion is for guidance only and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. My answers and comments should not be considered legal advice.

Please also note that I am human, and I often need to research your answer to give you an accurate response. I also work with other customers and may step away from time to time. So please be patient while waiting for a response. If more than 30 minutes have passed, please feel free to reach out.

Brandon

What are you seeking as an outcome?

Brandon

From what you’ve described, it sounds like Wisconsin’s system may have recorded a reckless driving citation and processed it without proper notice to you. Sometimes this can occur if:

• The officer or complainant submitted information incorrectly.
• A ticket was issued but mailed to an old address or entered incorrectly in the system.
• An error occurred during administrative processing, causing a default adjudication (meaning the court entered a guilty finding when you didn’t appear, even though you were never notified).

Since you never received documentation, this raises due process concerns — your right to notice and an opportunity to contest the charge may have been violated.

Immediate Steps to Take

Obtain Certified Court Records
Start by contacting the Wisconsin Circuit Court in the county where this supposedly occurred. Request:

• A certified copy of the docket sheet or judgment showing the reckless driving conviction.
• Any supporting documents (citation, complaint, notice of hearing).

This will show how the “guilty” finding was entered.

Check with the Wisconsin DOT (DMV equivalent)
Ask for your complete driving record and any notes regarding this reckless driving citation. Sometimes the DOT has more detailed records than what appears on your CDL report.

Confirm Jurisdiction
You’ll need to know exactly which court entered the adjudication. Wisconsin uses both municipal and circuit courts depending on the nature of the citation. Knowing which one applies is key to filing the proper motion.

Legal Remedies

Motion to Reopen / Vacate Judgment
If the conviction was entered by default (because you didn’t appear), you can usually file a motion to reopen. Wisconsin Statutes § 345.51 and related provisions allow reopening a traffic case within a certain timeframe if you did not have notice. Even if more time has passed, lack of notice can still be a valid reason.

Appeal or Post-Conviction Relief
If this was formally adjudicated without your knowledge, you may be able to appeal the judgment or request post-conviction relief, arguing that you were deprived of notice and a chance to defend yourself.

Administrative Correction
If this turns out to be a clerical or reporting error (and not an actual court conviction), you can request a correction directly from the Wisconsin DOT. Sometimes this can be resolved without a court proceeding if the records show it was misfiled.

CDL-Specific Concerns

Because you hold a commercial license, this situation is even more serious. A reckless driving conviction can impact your livelihood. It’s in your best interest to act quickly and document every communication with both the court and the DOT. If this was improperly entered, having it removed will help protect your CDL standing.

Next Steps for You

1. Call or visit the Wisconsin DOT and request your full driving record with all supporting notes.
2. Contact the clerk of court in the county where the alleged reckless driving occurred. Request certified records of the case.
3. Once you have that information, determine if a motion to reopen is possible. In that motion, explain that you were never served, never ticketed, and never notified.
4. Keep copies of everything — letters, emails, certified mail receipts. These records will help prove due process violations later if necessary.

Brandon

Did you understand my answer, and did it address your concern?