What Happens if I am Convicted of Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License?
Many people do not realize just how precious the ability to drive is until it is taken away from them. In the state of Tennessee, there are many ways you could lose your driver’s license. According to the Tennessee Driver Services Division, you could lose your license for a variety of offenses, including obvious ones like DUI or drag racing and not-so-common ones, like fleeing from the scene of a traffic accident or driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Being convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense that could result in criminal charges.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License
According to Tennessee statutes, a person who is caught driving with a suspended, canceled, or revoked license is generally subject to a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a possibility of up to six months in jail and up to $500 in fines. If the incident is the second offense a person has for driving with a suspended or revoked license, they will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a potential year-long jail sentence and up to $2,500 in fines.
Enhanced Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License
Penalties change if there are aggravating circumstances. For example, if your driver’s license was suspended because of a vehicular assault, vehicular homicide or DUI conviction, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and face a minimum of two nights in jail and the potential for the judge to add on up to $1,000 in fines. If the offense is your second offense of driving with a suspended license and the original suspension resulted from one of the crimes mentioned above, you face a Class A misdemeanor. You also face a minimum jail sentence of 45 days and up to $3,000 in fines.
Contact a Jacksboro, TN Traffic Violations Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, you need to contact a skilled Campbell County traffic violations defense lawyer as soon as possible. Many people make the mistake of underestimating the severity of this charge, but it can result in life-changing effects. At The Law Office of William F. Evans, we will do everything in our power to help you keep your driving privileges. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 423-449-7980.
Sources:
https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/reinstatements.html#Violations