Many people believe that obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle is a right. The truth, though, is that it is a privilege that needs to be earned and maintained through proper driving and an adherence to the laws of the road in Bethel Park, PA. If a police officer were to pull you over for a traffic violation and you are driving with a suspended or revoked license, there may be very serious consequences that could cost you time and your freedom.

No matter what the reason may be for the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, it is a very serious issue. In fact, unlike other less severe traffic violations such as speeding, driving with a license suspension of revocation is criminal. The repercussions of the suspended or revoked license as well as the criminal charge of driving without a clear license may be severe.

What Can Happen If You Are Caught Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License?

If you are caught driving without a clear license in Bethel Park, PA, you may encounter a variety of different consequences. Some of these are penalties related to criminal offenses and others are specific to the use of your license (and ability to operate a motor vehicle of any kind) in the future.

Criminal Consequences

The offense of driving with a suspended or revoked license is a Class A misdemeanor in the Bethel Park, PA, legal system and may be punishable by a maximum of 1 year jail time and a $2,500 fine plus mandatory court assessments. If there are additional issues such as a suspension due to a DUI, the conviction could result in 10 days in jail or 30 days of community service. Second offenses will have more severe penalties including increased jail time, a higher fine, and possible community service hours.

Other criminal charges or different circumstances can also change the penalties. Be sure to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced Bethel Park, PA, criminal defense attorney to figure out the full scope of consequences you may be facing.

Driver’s License Penalties

In addition to the criminal charges and their penalties, you may also have more concerns to worry about with your license. For a suspended license, a conviction will extend the suspension or re-suspend your driving privileges for the same length of time as your original suspension. For a revocation, the Secretary of State will not consider any type of reinstatement of your license for at least one year from the date of the conviction.

Clearly, getting convicted of these charges can have serious effects on your life and the lives of your family. This is why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Why You Need Criminal Defense Attorneys for Your Suspended or Revoked License Case

The potentially catastrophic impact that a criminal conviction can have on your life will be long-lasting and, often, permanent, if you are not represented by a criminal defense attorney who understands the law and keeps your best interests in mind. At the Wyland Law Group, our legal team is dedicated to thoroughly defending the rights of our clients because we understand what a criminal conviction can do to the life of the client as well as the well-being of his or her family.

A criminal defense attorney who specializes in cases concerning suspended or revoked licenses will be able to guide you through the legal process and develop the best possible strategy for your circumstances. If you were to hire a lawyer who spreads their legal practice across a variety of fields such as personal injury, estate planning, or divorce law, it cannot be guaranteed that they are as well-versed in the latest legal developments and case history for your situation. Our Bethel Park lawyers understand this and remain consistently updated when it comes to laws concerning traffic violation issues, drunk driving/DUI, and criminal charges related to driving under a suspended or revoked license.

When you contact an attorney to help you with your suspended or revoked license driving charge, one of the first things that law offices will attempt to do is to get your license reinstated. If successful, this can go a long way when it comes to the charge of driving with a suspended license. With a clear license, there is a possibility that your case could be dismissed and you may avoid jail time altogether. The specifics of your case, however, will help to determine if this is a possibility.

Contact Our Former Assistant District Attorney to Discuss Your Claim

At the Wyland Law Group in Bethel Park, PA, our criminal defense attorney and the entire legal team at our law firm is here to defend the rights of clients accused of a crime in an Allegheny Country court of law. We will provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to ensure that your rights are preserved, and we will defend you using a legal strategy that is the most effective for your situation.

Our criminal defense attorney Jacob W. Wyland has many years of experience working as a prosecutor and former Assistant District Attorney as well as a private criminal defense attorney. This means that he will use all of this experience to formulate the best possible defense for your circumstances. The Allegheny County attorneys at the Wyland Law Group understand the potentially devastating effects that a criminal conviction can have on your life and livelihood, so we fight diligently for your rights in and out of the courtroom.

If you or a loved one has been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Wyland Law Group to discuss your case. We are committed to the rights of our clients, and we believe that being charged with a crime does not mean you have to be convicted. With the attorney-client relationship that we develop with you, you can rest assured that your rights will always be at the forefront of your defense. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.