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Why Might a Driver’s License be Suspended?
Driving a car or any other type of motor vehicle on local roads is a privilege under the law. All motorists must apply for and receive a driver’s license. Behavior that threatens the wellbeing of others while behind the wheel can serve as justification for suspending a person’s driver’s license. For example, accumulating multiple moving violations that involve speeding, failing to yield, or causing accidents will result in points on a person’s record and an automatic suspension.
Other events allow criminal courts to suspend a person’s license as a consequence of convictions, such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Refusing to submit to a blood/alcohol test upon the request of a police officer
- A failure to pay court fines (from a criminal or civil traffic case)
- Not providing child support or alimony payments
Regardless of the reasons why a person’s license is suspended, the court or Department of Motor Vehicles must provide them with appropriate notice of this suspension. Disputing whether a person received this notice can be an effective means of defense against these charges. A license suspension attorney in Phoenix could help to investigate if a driver received proper notice.
Impact of Driving with a Suspended License in Phoenix
Many don’t realize that driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Arizona. Since these are criminal charges, a driver must appear in court, and the local prosecuting attorney will be assigned to prosecute the case against you.
Specifically, Arizona Revised Statute § 28-3473 says that driving on a public road with a suspended license is a class 1 misdemeanor. This means that a conviction allows a court to impose a fine of up to $2,500. In addition, courts may order a jail sentence of up to six months. Keep in mind that these limits apply only to first convictions involving driving with a suspended license. Second or subsequent convictions come with enhanced penalties. Talking with a Phoenix lawyer could help people to better understand the possible consequences of a conviction for driving with a suspended license.
Speak with a Gilbert License Suspension Attorney Today
Allegations involving driving without a license are serious matters. These are criminal charges where a conviction will create a criminal record, require you to pay stiff fines, or result in time in jail. However, prosecutors can only secure a conviction if they can prove that you knew that your license was suspended and still drove on a public road. Not to mention, if a driver pleads guilty to driving on a suspended license, the conviction itself can actually cause the license to be suspended again.
A Phoenix license suspension lawyer could help to fight back against these charges. They could perform a full investigation into the incident and what information the Motor Vehicle Division and courts sent to you. This could help to rebut the idea that you knowingly drove with a suspended license. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with one of our Phoenix License Suspension Attorneys.
