Your license becomes suspended when your driving privileges are taken away temporarily pursuant to Texas law. After a six-month or one-year suspension, depending on the circumstances, you can fulfill certain conditions in order to have your license reinstated and regain your ability to drive. Some of the most common reasons for a suspended license are:
· DWI or DUI
· Leaving or fleeing the scene of an accident
· Driving without insurance as required by law
· Committing multiple traffic violations
Although your license may be suspended, you still are likely to have to go to work, school, and doctor’s appointments. This causes some people to take the risk of driving with a suspended license. Various factors determine the level of the charge and resulting penalties for a conviction for driving while suspended. For example, if you are pulled over for speeding, and the police officer discovers that your license is suspended, you will receive a speeding ticket that requires you to pay a fine, as well as a $500 fine for driving without a valid license.
What Are the Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License?
If you are caught repeatedly driving with a suspended license, the offense becomes a Class B misdemeanor offense. Conviction on a Class B misdemeanor can result in up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. Driving without a valid license and without insurance also is a Class B misdemeanor charge, as well as driving while your license is suspended for a DWI.
Driving while suspended becomes a Class A misdemeanor if you injure someone in the process of driving without a valid license. This offense can result in a $4,000 fine and up to one year in the county jail.
If you or a family member is facing any type of criminal charges, we may be able to help. As experienced Texas criminal defense attorneys, we have the knowledge needed to help you navigate through often-complex criminal proceedings. Call us today at (512) 359-3362 and schedule an appointment with one of our criminal defense lawyers and learn how we can assist you.