Whether it’s commuting to and from work, running to the grocery store, heading to a friend’s house or going on vacation, most people are in their cars on a daily basis. The average person hits the road fairly often, but it’s rare that he or she thinks about what it takes to legally drive — namely, a valid driver’s license. The privilege of driving is contingent on having a current and valid driver’s license and a suspended license can not only stop you from getting around, but can lead to significant fines and penalties if you’re caught.
What’s Involved With License Suspension?
If you are pulled over for a traffic violation and the officer discovers that your license is suspended, the traffic violation can quickly become the least of your worries. Driving on a suspended license carries penalties that include fines, potential jail time and even additional suspension time, in some cases. On a first offense of driving with a suspended license, you can be fined up to $500. For a second offense, your fine can be as much as $750, and you could be sentenced to up to five days in a county jail. Third offenses carry penalties of fines up to $1,000, and imprisonment in county jail for up to 10 days.
In addition to the fines and possible time behind bars, the courts typically impose a period of suspension for up to 6 months. This suspension can be added to your existing license suspension, greatly extending the time it will take you to get back on the road.
If you were involved in an accident that caused injuries to another person, and your license was suspended at the time, the penalties include a jail sentence of at least 45 days. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, an additional $500 will be added to your fine. Along with the heavier fine, your license could be suspended even further (anywhere between a year to two years) and you could be sent to jail for 90 days.
In most cases, license suspension happens after you’ve accumulated enough points on your license, but you may not be aware that you’ve reached suspension levels. If your license is suspended, the state is required to provide you with Due Process and adequate notice. Without that notice, you could be pulled over and learn that your license is suspended after you’ve been driving on it.
Call an Attorney Right Away
Having your license suspended can seriously change the way you live—you can’t drive your own vehicle and you can’t get to and from the most basic places (work, friends, school) without either finding alternate transportation like a bus, bike or friends and family members. If your license has been suspended, or if you are caught driving during a suspension period, you need the help of a lawyer. At The Gorman Law Firm, Morristown DUI attorney Scott Gorman represents people who have been charged with any traffic violations, including driving on a suspended license. For more information or a consultation about your case, contact Scott Gorman today.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
