Driving on a Suspended License in Virginia
When your driver’s license is suspended in Virginia, you lose your privilege to drive. This makes getting to work, school, the grocery store, dropping your children off, and other errands difficult without a car. If you do drive during this period, and you get pulled over, you can be charged with driving on a suspended license, in violation of Va. Code § 46.2-301.
Why Would My License be Suspended in Virginia?
There are many reasons why your license could be suspended. Sometimes it could be a simple as forgetting to pay a small fine, and other times, it could be because of a prior conviction. Common examples include:
- Failing to pay court fines or fees for prior driving offenses
- Failing to maintain car insurance or failing to pay the uninsured motor vehicle fee
- Failing to pay child support
- Being convicted of reckless driving
- Being convicted of DUI/DWI
- Having too many DMV points on your DMV record
Consequences of Driving on a Suspended License in Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia takes driving on a suspended license seriously and as such, penalizes it as a Class 1 Misdemeanor. That means that you could face up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Not only that, but your car could be impounded for up to 90 days, your license could be suspended for an additional period of time, you may have to pay additional fees to have your license restored by the DMV and get your car back from the impound, and you could have a criminal record. Moreover, if this charge is for a third or subsequent offense within 10 years, you could face a mandatory 10-day jail sentence on top of all the other penalties.
How an Attorney Can Help You
Speaking with one of our criminal defense attorneys allows you to explore your specific circumstances surrounding your charge including but not limited to possible defenses, weaknesses in your case, reduced punishments, and even a reduced charge given your criminal and driving history.
Our office handles driving on a suspended license cases across Northern Virginia courts including the General District Courts in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your driving on a suspended license charge.
