Driving With a Suspended License
Houston Suspended Driver’s License Attorneys :: The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp
There is a great reduction in freedom when a person has their driver’s license suspended. This can make commuting to work, school or other destinations extremely difficult, if not impossible, in some circumstances. There are a variety of reasons why a person’s driver’s license can be suspended, including:
- Repeated traffic offenses: If a driver has four or more traffic violations (such as speeding) in a year, this will result in a suspended license.
- Results of a traffic accident: If a driver is found in fault of causing a serious accident that injured or killed another person, their driver’s license will be suspended.
- Fleeing from police: Any driver who knowingly evades police will automatically have their license suspended.
- Leaving the scene of an accident: If a driver leaves the scene of an accident in an attempt to avoid any legal repercussions, their license will be suspended.
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI): Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other impairing substance is grounds for license suspension.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license is an offense that the state of Texas takes very seriously. The results of driving on the suspended license become even more severe depending upon how the suspension is discovered. Some of the possible types of charges include:
- Class C misdemeanor: This type of charge often results from the driver being pulled over for a traffic offense. It can bring fines of up to $500.
- Class B misdemeanor: A class B misdemeanor often results from situations such as repeat offenses, lack of valid insurance, or the driver’s license was previously suspended due to a DWI offense. This can result in sentences of up to 180 days in jail and fines of no more than $2,000.
- Class A misdemeanor: This charge is often given to defendants who seriously injured or killed another person while driving on a suspended license. The defendant can face up to one year behind bars and a fine of no more than $4,000.
Defending Against Suspended License Charges
In the case of a suspended license, the prosecution has to prove the defendant knew their license was suspended. A skilled suspended license lawyer can argue that their client never received proper notice of the suspension and was operating the vehicle under the belief that their license was in good standing.
Get Help From a Houston Suspended Driver’s License Attorney
Attorneys at The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp make it their top priority to keep clients informed during every step of the legal process. This small firm mentality is fused with big firm resources to ensure the best outcome in every case. Get the legal help you need by reaching out to The Law Office of Matthew D. Sharp today.
