Driving is such an integral part of living in Wytheville that it’s hard to imagine life without a valid Virginia driver’s license. Unlike freedom of speech or the right to a fair trial, the permission to operate a motor vehicle is not a protected right. Driving is a privilege we must earn and use wisely. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, the state department of motor vehicles finds a reason to suspend your license. If the Virginia DMV suspends your driving privileges, operating any motor vehicle becomes a criminal offense. Seeking smart legal counsel is the most effective way to contest criminal charges stemming from driving with a suspended license.
Whether your Virginia license suspension was due to a traffic matter or failing to pay court fines, driving with a suspended license is a severe class 1 misdemeanor offense that could lead to harsh consequences without a solid criminal defense strategy. If a police officer catches you behind the wheel with a driving ban and charges you, you could establish a criminal record for a seemingly mild violation. A Wytheville Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) lawyer can investigate the facts of your case and protect your interests throughout the criminal process.
Why do people have their licenses suspended in Wytheville?
License suspensions are designed to lift a person’s driving privileges temporarily. The DMV suspends driver’s licenses when drivers fail to satisfy court demands. Often, necessary actions include paying fines or proving to the DMV that a vehicle has the minimum required insurance coverage. It’s crucial to resolve traffic issues with the court to avoid a DWLS charge. If you fail to contest a license suspension, then get caught by a police officer while driving, you could face a criminal Driving While License Suspended charge.
The Commonwealth suspends thousands of driver’s licenses every day. Some of the more common reasons for license suspensions are:
- Missing court payments
- Convictions of reckless driving
- Accumulating too many points on your Virginia driver’s license
- Failing to keep the required car insurance
- Failing to pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee
- Having a judgment against you
- Having a health condition that makes it dangerous for you to drive
- Missing child support payments
If the Virginia DMV suspends your license, they will usually mail you a notice. Sometimes, these notices slip through the cracks, causing drivers to find out about their license suspensions the next time police stop them. In these situations, it’s sensible to collaborate with a Wytheville DWLS lawyer to fight the criminal charges.
If at any time you’re unsure about whether your license is valid, check the Virginia DMV website. If you’ve been charged with DWLS, contact a Wytheville DWLS defense lawyer to defend you in court as soon as possible. A skilled attorney with Pendleton Law will look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you to establish your defense. If you didn’t know your license was suspended, your attorney would find a way to prove it so that your charges could be dismissed. The ultimate goal is for you to walk away without a criminal record for driving on a suspended license.
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What penalties might I face for driving with a suspended license in Virginia?
Do you hope to one day find a more meaningful job? Your future employer will see your conviction of Driving While License Suspended on a background check. Would you like to move to a bigger place? Any rental agreement you sign will likely run a background check, where your conviction will pop up. The penalties you could face if you’re convicted of driving without a valid license can be great and hinder your life considerably.
Driving with a suspended license is a class 1 misdemeanor offense. A conviction could lead to:
- A fine of up to $2,500 plus court fees
- Incarceration for up to 12 months in jail
- An extension of your license suspension through a separate criminal suspension that begins when your original suspension period ends.
- The establishment of a criminal record.
Don’t give in to the court without a fight. Work with a knowledgeable team of DWLS lawyers in Wytheville to protect your driving privileges and reputation.
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Count on Pendleton Law for An Aggressive Criminal Defense
The team of skilled DWLS lawyers in Wytheville with Pendleton Law has successfully defended thousands of Virginians facing criminal traffic charges. At Pendleton Law, our team will gladly review your case and provide sound legal counsel to help you make the right choices at this challenging time. Our founder, Christina Pendleton, has been designated a Super Lawyers Rising Star, a recognition given to just 2.5% of all attorneys in the country.
Our firm received Avvo’s Client’s Choice Award for consistent client satisfaction. Find out how we can help you fight for your driver’s license by calling our criminal traffic hotline at (804) 554-4444 or complete our contact form. We will schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
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