Suspended License in DC
Having your driver’s license suspended can be an extreme hardship and can profoundly restrict your ability to be where you need to be, when you need to be there. Many DC drivers whose licenses are suspended take a calculated risk to drive anyway, failing to realize the seriousness of the offense.
In fact, in DC, driving on a suspended license is considered one of the most serious traffic violations, resulting in severe legal consequences in addition to further DMV penalties.
Without skilled representation from a qualified DC traffic lawyer, your charge of driving on a suspended license can cost you $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and prolonged suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.
DC DMV
The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend a driver’s license for any number of reasons, including unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, DWI, accumulation of more than 10 points against the license, reckless driving, and many other offenses.
If someone is caught driving while suspended in DC, the DMV levies an additional 12 points against the license, furthering the suspension and possibly leading a driver’s license being revoked. This penalty makes driving while suspended in DC one of the most serious traffic offenses, as other traffic violations leading to 12 points against a license include:
- Reckless driving
- DWI
- Eluding, evading, or fleeing police, or the attempt thereof
- Using a motor vehicle to commit a felony
- Conviction of assault with a motor vehicle
- Conviction of homicide with a motor vehicle
It seems harsh that the simple act of driving on a suspended license merits the same DMV penalties as a deadly offense such as using a car to commit a homicide, but the fact shows how seriously a DC driving while suspended charge is taken by authorities. Contact a DC traffic attorney experienced at representing clients charged with driving on a suspended license.
Driving on Suspended License Defense
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended license, a DC traffic attorney can find the right tools to use in your defense. Some possible defense strategies include inadequate attempts by the DMV to notify you of the suspension, challenging the initial reason for suspension, and more.
By contacting a qualified DC traffic lawyer to handle your case, you save time and money over trying to handle it alone, and you provide yourself with the best possible legal defense to lessen any unpleasant ramifications of your charge.