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What are the penalties for driving on a suspended license?

On Behalf of | Jan 26, 2025 | Criminal Defense

Technically, driving a motor vehicle is not a right. It is a privilege. The government has the authority to restrict driving privileges for the safety of the public. People need to be old enough to qualify for a driver’s license. They have to complete mandatory educational programs.

They also have to consistently follow traffic laws to retain their driving privileges. When people have too many traffic tickets or get convicted of traffic-related crimes, like drunk driving, the state may suspend or revoke their driver’s license. However, the loss of a license doesn’t magically eliminate the need to get to work or handle family matters, such as buying groceries. Some people drive even when they have a suspended license.

What happens to those caught driving with a suspended license?

Drivers face multiple penalties

Driving on a suspended license can increase how long an individual goes without driving privileges. The penalties for driving with a suspended license are the same regardless of why the state suspended the license.

Still, those accused of driving with a license suspended because of a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction are more likely to face the harshest penalties possible. The courts can impose a $250 fine and suspend the defendant’s driver’s license for another six months. In fact, the defendant could end up sentenced to up to 90 days in jail.

However, the penalties increase if a motorist gets arrested more than once for driving after a DUI-related license suspension. A second offense could lead to another year without driving privileges, $500 in fines and up to a year in jail. A third or subsequent offense could result in between one and five years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines and a two-year driver’s license revocation.

Those accused of driving without a license and those facing DUI charges may want to respond assertively to avoid the worst-case scenario. Preventing an initial conviction can help protect a motorist against the threat of progressive penalties for each subsequent violation.

Understanding the potential consequences of driving without a license can help people appropriately respond after an arrest. Depending on the circumstances, a driver accused of misconduct may have a number of defense options available to them.