Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
Driving on a suspended license is a crime in MA, but we understand that the decision to do so is often for very practical reasons. Maybe you had to pick up one of your kids, or drive to an interview. The decision to drive on a suspended license isn’t a good one, but it doesn’t make you a bad person either. A MA defense lawyer can help you manage the damage if you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended license.
Driver’s licenses can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, including driving under the influence, littering, or having an outstanding warrant. If your license is suspended, don’t drive. But if you already failed to heed that advice, there are several defenses that may be available to you. The underlying offense that resulted in your suspension, and prior criminal history will factor heavily in the outcome of your case. If, for example, you have no other criminal history and your license was suspended because you were delinquent on child support payments, you have a better chance of having your charges dropped than if you are a habitual offender whose license was suspended for reckless driving while under the influence of drugs.
Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License
If you are convicted of operating on a suspended or revoked license, the factors mentioned above will come into play. However, the penalties below provide a good idea of the fines and possible jail time you may be facing.
- First offense: A maximum of 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Second offense: Up to one year in jail.
- Habitual offender: Up to two years in a state prison, and up to $5,000 in fines.
In addition to the above penalties, your driver’s license may be suspended for additional time, or it may be revoked altogether.
“I Didn’t Know My License Was Suspended”
It is absolutely possible for people to have a suspended license without knowing it. In fact, it happens all the time. Maybe you have an out of state license, or you recently moved. You may have missed a notification that your license was to be suspended for too many speeding tickets or unpaid tolls, for example. Not knowing that your license is suspended is not a defense by itself. However, if it can be shown that you truly were unaware of the suspension, and the other factors surrounding your offense are not severe, a Boston defense lawyer can use this as a way to mitigate the damage. In many cases, a skilled lawyer can get the charges dropped completely.
What if Your License Was Revoked?
If you get caught driving on a revoked license, the penalties are generally more serious. In the majority of cases, you will face mandatory jail time for this offense. This is especially true if the revocation was for a 5th OUI offense. Don’t make the mistake of hiring just any lawyer if you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license. Your decision could be the difference between time behind bars and a complete dismissal of charges.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, the legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been fighting for the rights of individuals charged with crimes for more than 50 years. Our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys will evaluate your case to determine the most appropriate legal strategy, and we will position you for the best possible outcome. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. If you’ve been charged with any type of criminal offense, we can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
