Driving With A Suspended License: Lawyer in Montgomery County

Driving on a Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled License

As a driver, it is always important to ensure you have the necessary paperwork, including your driver’s license, to legally operate your vehicle. When you get into your vehicle, you probably know the location of your car’s registration and manual as well as the whereabouts of your phone, wallet, sunglasses, and aux cord. Yet, perhaps the most important part of your driving repertoire, your driver’s license, is what is forgotten or misplaced the most often. If your license is suspended, the legal consequences can be severe, including fines and potential jail time. While you may face penalties if caught driving without a license, the consequences are much harsher if you are found to be driving on a suspended or revoked license.

In Pennsylvania, your license can be suspended for various reasons, including an accumulation of points, a DUI conviction, refusal to submit to a breath or blood alcohol test, insurance problems, and more. Continuing to drive on a suspended or revoked license may lead to a summary offense, and possible consequences include probation or incarceration. Fortunately, the experienced legal team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. are here to help. If you are faced with a DWLS charge, contact an experienced Montgomery County criminal defense attorney today.

What Does It Mean to Drive on a Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled License in Pennsylvania?

In order to convict you of driving while on a suspended, revoked, or canceled license, the government must prove the following elements:

• You were driving your motor vehicle on a highway or traffic way in Pennsylvania
• Your person’s driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled and has not been restored
• You had actual notice of the suspension

In this case, “actual notice” means the prosecution must find evidence that you had known your license was suspended, revoked, or canceled and that you had time to amend the situation before getting behind the wheel. If you are facing a charge for driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license, it is important that you get help from a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Reasons for a Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled License

Your license may be suspended, revoked, or canceled for certain driving offenses, criminal convictions, and many other reasons. A few of the most common situations that lead to the loss of driving privileges include:

• Acquiring too many demerit points for traffic violation convictions
• Using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• Traffic violations offenses that lead to an injury or death
• Certain types of fraud, forgeries, and counterfeiting related to vehicle documents and plates
• Vehicular homicide convictions
• A street racing conviction
• Reckless driving convictions
• Driving under the influence
• Failing or refusing to take a breath or blood alcohol chemical test in violation of the state’s implied consent laws

It is also important to note that many drivers think they can drive after 12 months of suspension. While you are eligible for reinstatement after serving your suspension, you must get your license reinstated, including an ignition interlock device in most DUI cases. This is often a reason many drivers are found in violation of this charge. The suspension period varies depending on the severity of the offense and must be fully served before you can apply for reinstatement.

What Happens if I Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License?

Many individuals depend on vehicles for work and personal responsibilities; however, there are no excuses when it comes to a suspended license. While public bus systems are accessible to most locations in Pennsylvania, they often prove inadequate or inefficient. Due to external pressures, individuals may find themselves compelled to continue driving, even with an invalid license. However, driving with a suspended license will only worsen your situation. Your best course of action is to contact an expert criminal lawyer.

What Are the Penalties for Driving With A Suspended Driver’s License in Pennsylvania?

According to Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code 1543(a), driving a motor vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or canceled is considered a summary offense. It carries a mandatory fine of $200 and a one-year license suspension. A conviction for this misdemeanor offense can also result in a permanent mark on your driving record, affecting your insurance rates and future driving privileges. Repeating this offense may lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. For a second or subsequent offense, you will face a fine of $1000 and a mandatory 30 days in jail with discretionary jail time of up to six months.

Impact of a Suspended License on Motor Vehicle Insurance

A suspended driver’s license can significantly impact motor vehicle insurance. Insurance companies view drivers with suspended licenses as high-risk drivers, which can lead to increased premiums or even policy cancellation. If you are caught driving with a suspended license, your insurance company may:

• Increase your premiums
• Cancel your policy
• Refuse to renew your policy
• Exclude you from coverage

Additionally, if you are involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license, your insurance company may deny your claim or refuse to pay damages.

It is essential to note that driving with a suspended license can also lead to additional penalties, such as fines, jail time, and further suspension of your driver’s license. If you are facing a suspended license, it is crucial to seek the advice of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the process and minimize the impact on your motor vehicle insurance.

What to Do If You Are Charged with Driving on a Suspended License

Driving on a suspended, revoked, or canceled license can lead to serious consequences. If you have been arrested, your first step should be to contact an experienced defense attorney who can tell you how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you implement a strategic plan of action. Likewise, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to get points removed from your license from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Many defense attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide initial legal advice without any cost.

How Can an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Help You?

When you have been accused of driving with a suspended driver’s license, you may be able to avoid penalties by working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Aside from helping you build a case to avoid fines or penalties, you may also experience the following benefits when working with a criminal defense attorney:

• Answers to all questions involving the legal process in Pennsylvania
• Prompt communications
• Knowledge of cases involving suspended, revoked, or canceled licenses
• Trusted legal services
• Dedicated representation

Our team of criminal defense lawyers looks forward to helping you get the second chance you deserve.

Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County for a Free Consultation

If you are accused of driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license in Pennsylvania, it is crucial that you speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Whether you are dealing with a traffic ticket or a more serious charge, our attorneys are here to help. For legal assistance, look no further than the best-in-class attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford. Our firm approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to making the legal process as straightforward and painless as possible.