Driving on a Suspended License Charge:
Sometimes there are defenses to a charge of driving on a suspended license. You may have moved and not received the notice of the suspension. The officer who wrote you the ticket may have made an unlawful stop of your vehicle.
Many people are not aware that their license is under suspension until they are pulled over by the police and arrested. Although claiming not to have received notice is not a defense by itself, there may be other legal defense strategies an experienced attorney can pursue to keep you on the road with a clean record.
The penalty for driving on a suspended license can vary widely from case to case, but almost always includes an additional period of license suspension. Sentences can depend on the original reason for the suspension, the length of suspension, your driving on the date in question, and your prior criminal or traffic record (or lack thereof).
Jail time is a possibility in some cases, but is not usually given for a first offense in Charlottesville, Virginia and surrounding counties. A third offense conviction for driving on a suspended license due to a DUI charge has a mandatory minimum jail sentence of one year.
Whether you were unknowingly suspended for unpaid court costs, or you make a mistake deciding to drive after a previous traffic incident, DUI, or drug possession charge, you need help. An attorney with experience fighting license and traffic charges can tell you what to expect. They will discuss your options for fighting the charges, or working out a deal to keep the most serious consequences and penalties off the table.
As usual, every situation is unique. Contact a Virginia attorney for specific details.
 |
| Firm Partner |
Andre A. Hakes
Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C.
Charlottesville, Virginia
434-973-7474
