Drive Suspended

Reasons for License Suspension

A suspended driver’s license can significantly disrupt your life, affecting your ability to commute to work, run errands, and fulfill daily responsibilities. License suspension happens when a driver is prohibited from operating a vehicle for a specific period due to violations or legal issues. Understanding the common causes of suspension, the consequences, and how to address the situation is crucial if your license has been suspended.

What Does “Driving While Suspended” Mean?

Driving while suspended refers to operating a vehicle when your driver’s license has been temporarily revoked or suspended by the authorities. This suspension may have occurred for various reasons, including:

• Accumulating Too Many Demerit Points: If you accumulate a certain number of demerit points due to traffic violations, your license may be suspended.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A DUI conviction often leads to a license suspension, particularly if the offense is repeat or severe.
• Failure to Pay Fines: If you have unpaid fines or outstanding charges, your license may be suspended until the debts are cleared.
• Unpaid Child Support: In some cases, unpaid child support can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
• Insurance Issues: Driving without valid insurance or failure to maintain proper insurance may also result in a suspended license.

Penalties for Driving While Suspended

If you are caught driving while your license is suspended, you may face a range of penalties, including:

• Fines: You may be required to pay significant fines for driving with a suspended license. These fines can increase with subsequent offenses.
• Extended Suspension: A conviction for driving while suspended can lead to a longer suspension period or even permanent revocation of your license.
• Imprisonment: In some cases, especially if you have multiple offenses or if the suspension was related to a serious offense like DUI, you could face jail time.
• Criminal Record: A conviction for driving while suspended can lead to a criminal record, which may affect your future employment opportunities and other legal matters.
• Increased Insurance Rates: After a suspension-related conviction, your insurance premiums are likely to increase significantly due to the added risk you represent as a driver.

Defending Against a Drive Suspended Charge

If you have been charged with driving while your license is suspended, there are several defenses that may help you avoid or reduce the penalties:

• Mistaken Identity: If the officer incorrectly identified your vehicle or you were mistakenly believed to be driving while suspended, this can be a valid defense.
• Unaware of Suspension: In some cases, individuals may not have been properly notified of their suspension. If you can prove that you did not know your license was suspended, this could help reduce the charges.
• Emergency Situation: If you were driving due to an emergency situation, such as a medical emergency, this may be considered a defense in some cases.
• Mistakes in the Suspension Process: There may be errors in how the suspension was processed, such as clerical mistakes or failure to update the system, which could serve as a defense.

How a Paralegal Can Help

A paralegal can assist you in several key ways if you’ve been charged with driving while suspended:

• Document Preparation: A paralegal can help you prepare necessary documentation, file appeals, and ensure you meet all deadlines related to your case.
• Review of Evidence: A paralegal can assist in reviewing the evidence against you to determine if there are any weaknesses or errors in the case.
• Appeal Assistance: If your suspension was unjust, a paralegal can help you appeal the suspension or the charges of driving while suspended.
• Reducing Penalties: A paralegal may help negotiate a reduction in fines or assist in preventing further suspension periods or jail time.
• Court Representation: While a paralegal cannot represent you in court, they can help guide you through the legal process, prepare your case, and provide valuable support.

Take Action Now

If you’re facing charges for driving while suspended, it’s important to act quickly. A paralegal can help guide you through the legal process, explore your options, and ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in resolving the matter efficiently and effectively.