Many of us tend to overlook the true value of our driving privileges until they are suddenly stripped away. However, some individuals tend to disregard their suspended status and continue driving. What is the worst that can happen to such individuals if caught? Read on to understand the penalties for driving with a suspended license.
1. You Will Face Criminal Charges
Driving with a suspended license and its consequences is far from trivial; it can swiftly plunge you into a tangled web of legal troubles. Importantly, if your license was suspended due to a previous criminal conviction, the consequences can escalate dramatically to Class A misdemeanor charges. The outcome? You could be staring down the unsettling possibility of a year-long stint behind bars and wrestling with fines that have been known to reach a staggering $5,000. This is one of the most common consequences of driving on a suspended license.
2. Further Suspension
Apart from the criminal charges, driving with a suspended license will invariably prolong your license suspension. In the case of minor offenses, usually classified as misdemeanors, you should be prepared for an added suspension period lasting a minimum of 90 days. However, it’s crucial to understand that a judge holds the authority to lengthen this suspension by an extra two years, a determination typically contingent on the unique circumstances surrounding your situation. A good criminal defense attorney can help mitigate this situation.
How To Get Your License Reinstated After Suspension
One of the common consequences of driving with a suspended license is that it renders it unusable for a predetermined duration. If it is revoked, consider it useless for a while, with no option to apply for a new one. Besides, you will need to fulfill specific conditions before you can reinstate your driving license. Remember that these prerequisites are separate from any fines or the prospect of spending time behind bars. They include:
- Getting an evaluation and treatment for drug or alcohol issues
- Showing you have financial responsibility (like having liability insurance or proving you can cover costs)
- Catching up on any overdue child support payments
- Paying a fee for reinstatement
Seek Professional Legal Help
Dealing with a suspended license and its consequences can be challenging. It can disrupt your ability to commute to work, handle childcare responsibilities, or even attend court when required. The perils of driving without a valid license extend beyond criminal charges; they encompass prolonged suspension periods and added financial burdens. In these predicaments, seeking counsel from a DWI attorney in Minneapolis is a prudent step. You may be eligible for a limited license or a diversion program, both of which can help mitigate the consequences of a suspended license. If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license, contact Lynne Torgerson, Criminal Defense Attorney, for assistance.