What happens if you get caught driving with suspended license

Getting caught driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Alabama. The penalties can be severe, so talking with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away is essential to learn your legal options.

Reach out to Bence Law Firm, LLC today. Criminal defense attorney David Bence is dedicated to preserving the rights of all Alabamans. Whether your license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI or other infraction, you can rely on David to identify the best defense strategy to meet your needs and protect your best interests.

When you work with our firm, you get the benefit of working directly with David to discuss your case and get the personalized attention you deserve. Call or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation today.

DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE IN ALABAMA

Even if your driving record is spotless, it’s illegal to drive without a valid license in Alabama. You can be charged with “license not in possession,” but it’s usually a minor traffic violation that can be resolved without a conviction if you’re able to produce a valid license to the court or arresting officer. Sometimes you just make a mistake.

The situation gets more complicated if you’re caught driving with a suspended or revoked license. There’s a reason your license was withdrawn or terminated in the past. Examples of offenses that could result in a suspension or revocation include:

  • A previous DUI conviction
  • Driving or being in “actual physical control” of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08
  • Refusing a DUI breath or blood test
  • Being involved in a car accident or hit-and-run crash causing death, injury, or more than $500 in property damage
  • Being convicted of manslaughter or homicide by vehicle
  • Driving without insurance
  • Making false statements to police about the motor vehicle
  • More than 12 to 24 points on your license in 2 years
  • Reckless driving
  • Unpaid child support
  • Unpaid traffic tickets

Be aware that your driver’s license could also be suspended or revoked for other reasons, such as being declared physically or psychologically unfit to drive.

PENALTIES

The penalties for driving on a suspended or revoked license could include steep fines, jail time, and an increase in the suspension or revocation period. Your vehicle could also be impounded.

If you were convicted of DUI, you may also be required to have an interlock ignition device (IID) installed on your vehicle. You must complete a breath test for alcohol by blowing into the IID before starting the car.

The consequences for driving with a suspended or revoked license worsen with subsequent convictions, upgrading a misdemeanor charge to a felony one.

Some Alabama motorists with suspended or revoked licenses can obtain a “hardship driver’s license.” This would allow you to drive with limited privileges if:

  • You participate in a work-release program through the Alabama Department of Corrections.
  • You participate in a compliant Community Corrections Program.
  • You have no reliable source of transportation.
  • You are released from the Department of Corrections’ custody.

HOW A PHENIX CITY, AL DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSION LAWYER CAN HELP

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Alabama can affect your ability to work, go to school, and simply get around town. An experienced lawyer can help with appeals and review your case to see what other legal avenues you may be able to pursue. For a free consultation, call or contact Bence Law Firm, LLC today.

If the state has suspended your license, you’re not allowed to drive unless you have a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from specific locations such as work, school, and medical appointments.

What happens if you get caught driving with suspended license

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Northern VA

Virginia law classifies driving on a suspended license as a criminal misdemeanor. The potential legal penalties depend on how many times you’ve been caught driving with a suspended license. Specifically, you may face:

  • Up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and an additional suspension of your license for your first or second offense.
  • A mandatory minimum 10-day jail sentence plus up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and an additional suspension of your license for your third or more offense.

How a Lawyer Can Help in A Criminal Case

To be convicted of driving on a suspended license, the Commonwealth of Virginia must prove that you were driving a motor vehicle on a public road, that your license had been suspended, and that you knew that your license was suspended when you were driving. If the prosecutor cannot prove one or more of these elements, you cannot be convicted. An experienced lawyer can help determine whether you have a defense that could be successful in court.

However, our experienced lawyers may be able to help you even before you are charged with a misdemeanor. If you believe that your Virginia driver’s license was wrongfully suspended, we may be able to help you get your license reinstated. Likewise, if you believe your license is about to be wrongfully suspended, we may be able to help you before that happens.

Not being able to drive can have a significant impact on your life, on your ability to work, and on your ability to take care of your family. However, it is important that you don’t make matters worse by driving on a suspended license. For more information about how to protect your rights, please contact our experienced defense lawyers now by calling 877.652.1553.

Related links:

  • Fairfax Drunk Driving License Suspension Attorneys
  • Expungement of Criminal Charges in Virginia
  • Consequences for Reckless Driving in Virginia

What happens if you drive around with a suspended license?

If you get caught driving with a suspended license, it could lead to penalties including fines and imprisonment, depending on what type of violation led to the suspension. The sentence would be more severe for repeat offenders.

How do you get around with a suspended license?

How to Get Around While Your License Is Suspended.
Applying for a Restricted Driver's License..
Using Public Transportation or Ridesharing..
Carpooling, Walking, and Biking..

What is the penalty in Illinois for driving on a suspended license?

Criminal Penalties This offense is typically charged under 625 ILCS 5/6-303 of the Illinois Vehicle Code as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 364 days in jail and $2,500.00 fine plus mandatory court assessments.

How much is a driving on suspended license ticket in Arkansas?

The offense is a misdemeanor that carries a minimum sentence of two days in jail and a maximum sentence of six months in jail. In addition, you may be fined up to $500 and be given an extended period of suspension or revocation.