Driving on a Suspended, Revoked, or Canceled License

As a driver, it is always important to ensure you have the necessary paperwork 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. 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 trafficway in Pennsylvania
• Your license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled and 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 test in violation of the state’s implied consent laws

It is also important to note that many drivers make the mistake of thinking they can drive after 12 months of suspension. While you are eligible for reinstatement after serving your suspension, you must go through the steps of getting 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.

What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspended 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 and carries a mandatory fine of $200 and a one-year license suspension. Repeating this offense may lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. For a sixth or subsequent offense, you will face a fine of $1000 and mandatory 30 days jail with discretionary jail time of up to six months.

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 get in contact with an experienced defense attorney who may be able to 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).

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help You?

When you have been accused of driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled 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

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. 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.