When Can You Be Charged with Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License?

If your license has been suspended or revoked and has not yet been restored, operating a vehicle on Pennsylvania roads (highways or trafficways of any kind) can constitute a violation of driving on a suspended license. Unless you have applied for and been granted a hardship license, you are not permitted to operate a vehicle under any circumstance during the time your license is suspended.

What happens if you get caught driving on a DUI-suspended license in PA?

If you get caught driving while your license is suspended as a result of a DUI charge, you can be charged with a criminal offense and face significant fines, jail time, and a longer period of license suspension.

Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Pennsylvania?

Simply driving without a license is a summary offense in Pennsylvania, punishable by a fine of $200. Driving on a suspended license in absence of certain specified circumstances also constitutes a summary offense punishable by a $200 fine. When your violation concerns either an initial license suspension for DUI or a suspicion of driving under the influence, even with a low BAC, you can go to jail for driving without a license. In fact, Pennsylvania law establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for these offenses. First offenses can send you to prison for a minimum of 60 to 90 days, depending on the specifics of the charge against you. Repeat offenses could potentially lead to years-long minimum sentences.

Should I plead guilty to driving with a suspended license?

It may seem like pleading guilty is the easiest path forward when you’ve been charged with driving with a DUI license suspension. Unfortunately, doing so can affect you in significant ways, from lengthening the term of your driving privilege suspension to adding to your criminal record and, potentially, leading to a prison sentence. This offense can carry more serious consequences than a fine, especially when the original license suspension resulted from a DUI charge. Before you make a quick decision that could impact your future, you need to consider all of your options and the full range of consequences. For that, you need the guidance of a Luzerne County driving with a DUI license suspension attorney.

Can you drive to work on a suspended license in PA?

When your license has been suspended because of a DUI, it’s illegal to drive anywhere, including to work. Getting caught driving with a DUI license suspension could lead to a mandatory prison sentence. If you need to drive to work, you need to proactively apply for an

Can I get a hardship license in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a person whose license has been suspended may apply for a hardship license known as an Occupational Limited License. This license permits driving for work, school, and medical appointments only during the period your full driving privileges are suspended. To be granted an Occupational Limited License, you need to meet certain requirements, which may include having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. Your driving on a suspended license attorney can help you explore this option to maintain your ability to drive to the fullest extent possible and ensure all required paperwork is prepared and submitted properly.

Luzerne County Driving With a DUI License Suspension Attorney | Driving After Suspension for a DWI Lawyer in Kingston, PA

Driving After Suspension for a DWI Lawyer in Kingston, PA Defending Your Right to Drive After DWI-Related Suspensions in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania

Losing your driver’s license can also mean losing your freedom and independence. If you find yourself accused of driving while your license is suspended, you could face significant legal trouble. Whether your situation involves driving out of necessity, a misunderstanding regarding restoration, or any other issue, an experienced Luzerne County driving with a DUI license suspension attorney can provide valuable guidance for moving forward.

At Muckler Law, LLC, we recognize how stressful another brush with the law can be. We’re prepared to help you navigate this issue and mitigate the consequences through strategic legal representation. Contact us today to discuss your options with an experienced driving after suspension for a DWI Lawyer in Kingston, PA, during a free, confidential consultation.

What Happens If You Get Pulled Over With a Suspended License in PA?

Under Section 1543 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, it is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle on PA roads when your license has been suspended. This violation generally constitutes a summary offense punishable by a fine, but for defendants whose license was suspended for a DUI, this offense is punishable by jail time. Circumstances such as repeat violations and accusations of alcohol or drug use can result in harsher penalties. Additionally, driving on a revoked license could result in a longer period of license suspension.

If you are pulled over for operating a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked, It’s important that you cooperate with law enforcement while still protecting your rights. Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation or explain your actions, because any statements that you make now could negatively impact your case. Instead, provide the required identification information, and then politely but firmly insist that you speak to a defense attorney before answering any further questions or providing a statement.

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, driver’s licenses may be suspended for a number of reasons, from a conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to failing to respond to citations or pay fines for violations such as speeding or invalid vehicle registration. Under the points system established by Section 1535 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75, your driving privileges can also be suspended for accruing 11 points on your license.

The reason you lost your license may affect the severity of the legal trouble you’re facing when charged with driving with a suspended license.

Fines and Potential Prison Terms

In the absence of certain circumstances that elevate the offense, driving while your license has been suspended is considered a summary offense. A summary offense is the least serious type of criminal violation recognized under Pennsylvania law. For the basic offense of driving with a suspended or revoked license, the penalty is a $200 fine.

There are numerous exceptions under which you can face more serious charges and penalties for driving with a suspended license. Although the violation remains a summary offense, you can be sentenced to a fine of up to $500 and a prison sentence of at least 60 days and potentially up to 90 days for any of the following conduct:

Driving while your license is suspended as a result of a DUI conviction
Operating a vehicle while your license was suspended as a condition of acceptance into an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program resulting from a DUI
Driving while your license is suspended for refusing to submit to chemical testing, such as a breathalyzer

For a second offense of these violations, you could face a minimum prison term of 90 days and a $1,000 fine. Third and subsequent violations amount to misdemeanor offenses of the third degree, punishable by a minimum of six months of jail time and $2,500 in fines.

Another circumstance that can lead to more serious penalties is being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during this offense. Under state law, you can be punished by a minimum prison sentence of 90 days and a fine of $1,000 for a first offense of driving on a suspended license while:

Having any amount of Schedule I or nonprescribed Schedule II or III controlled substance in your system
Having a blood or breath alcohol content (BAC) of just 0.02%
Refusing to submit to chemical testing under Pennsylvania’s implied consent law (Section 1547 of Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 75)

A second offense of this nature can lead to a $2,500 fine and a minimum prison term of six months. Third and subsequent violations constitute a first-degree misdemeanor offense, resulting in fines of $5,000 and a minimum prison sentence of two years.

Longer License Suspensions

Driving while your license is suspended generally results in an additional period of lost driving privileges.

If your license was suspended for reasons other than failing to complete a required driver improvement school program, including DUI, you can expect to have your license suspended for an additional year. If suspended as a result of failing to complete such a program, the additional suspension amounts to 30 days.

When your license has been not only temporarily suspended but fully revoked, your driving privileges will be revoked for an additional two years.

How to Avoid Jail Time for Driving on a Suspended License in Kingston, PA

Once you have been charged with driving with a DUI license suspension, it’s too late to take back the mistake of getting behind the wheel without a valid license. You need to focus on the future and what options are available to protect yourself from harsh consequences that could include mandatory jail time.

A smart defense strategy is the key to minimizing the impact of a charge of driving with a suspended license. Having an experienced Luzerne County driving with a DUI license suspension attorney from Muckler Law, LLC on your side provides the advantages of extensive legal knowledge, a professional level of skill, and the resources to challenge the evidence against you and build your defense.

With an effective defense strategy personalized to the unique facts of your situation, it may be possible to uncover improper procedures that can get the evidence against you suppressed. We may be able to show that the evidence against you is insufficient and advocate effectively to get the charges against you dropped or reduced.

If your case proceeds to trial, we will put forward the most compelling defense argument possible, working relentlessly to highlight the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and achieve a not-guilty verdict. Even in the event of a conviction, having an attorney can still help you advocate for lighter penalties by standing with you in sentencing proceedings and presenting mitigating evidence.

How Muckler Law, LLC’s Driving After Suspension for a DWI Lawyer in Kingston, PA, Can Help

The most effective defense for your situation depends on the specific facts of your case. At Muckler Law, LLC, we base our legal strategy for each client’s case on their unique circumstances. Our Luzerne County driving with a DUI license suspension attorney’s proven approach to victory includes the following:

Analyzing the facts of your case, including the circumstances of your arrest and any potential mitigating factors
Challenging improper procedures, such as stopping the vehicle without probable cause, administering breath tests or field sobriety tests improperly, or failing to ensure breathalyzer devices are properly calibrated
Developing a strategy custom-tailored to your needs, your goals, and the facts of your situation
Representing you in all legal proceedings, from initial court appearances to trial
Filing legal motions to preserve your rights and protect your interests, including motions to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence against you
Negotiating a favorable resolution for you, such as a plea deal for reduced charges and penalties, if appropriate
Presenting arguments in your defense at trial
Intervening in sentencing proceedings to advocate for lighter penalties in the event of a conviction

We’re committed to getting our clients the most favorable outcomes possible for their specific circumstances—because avoiding or minimizing jail time, fines, and further license suspensions can have a major impact on your future.

Why Choose Muckler Law, LLC as Your Luzerne County Driving With a DUI License Suspension Attorney?

Choosing Muckler Law, LLC means choosing a Luzerne County driving with a DUI license suspension attorney with the experience of a former prosecutor, a record of favorable results, and a commitment to making the legal process as stress-free for you as possible.

The Advantages of Having a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

As a former prosecutor, attorney Matthew Muckler brings to your case an insider perspective on how the prosecution approaches cases like yours. We have firsthand knowledge of what prosecutors must prove to secure a conviction and how they think. We use this information to develop effective legal strategies, push for dismissal of charges, negotiate reduced charges or penalties, and present strong arguments to secure a not-guilty verdict at trial.

Proven Results Getting Clients Favorable Outcomes in PA Courts

Muckler Law, LLC has a history of securing results that benefit our clients. Our firm has successfully defended thousands of criminal and DUI cases through the tailored defense strategies we develop and the aggressive advocacy we provide.

A Client-Centric Approach to Providing Convenient Criminal Defense Services

Recognizing that the loss of your driving privileges can make every aspect of your life more difficult, our firm strives to make legal representation accessible. We’re willing to travel to meet you when needed, and we’re committed to communication that keeps you informed.

Contact a Luzerne County Driving With a DUI License Suspension Attorney at Muckler Law, LLC Today for a Free Case Review

When you’re facing mandatory jail time, you need to take this issue seriously. At the very least, you should take advantage of the free consultation Muckler Law, LLC offers to get your questions answered and ensure you understand what to expect from the legal process.

For help from a driving after suspension for a DWI lawyer in Kingston, PA, contact Muckler Law, LLC online or call 570-908-4069 today.

Luzerne County Driving With a DUI License Suspension Attorney