Losing the ability to drive in the state of Texas as the result of a suspended driver’s license can be a very unfortunate experience. Getting to work, school or just being able to do simple tasks, such as going to the grocery store can be very difficult and stressful.
Driving with a suspended license, or DWLS, can result in harsh penalties and fines. The offense can also result in more serious penalties repercussions, depending on the underlying criminal offense that resulted in the suspension. If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license, contact a knowledgeable and experienced Williamson County criminal defense attorney who will help resolve the underlying offense and license suspension.
Georgetown Driving with a Suspended License Attorney
If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license in Georgetown or any of the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Killeen or Temple, contact Price & Twine, PLLC No matter what your reasons were for driving with a suspended license, criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Price will make every effort to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your alleged traffic crime.
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880 to discuss your alleged driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Driving with a Suspended License in Texas
In Texas an individual can be charged with and convicted of driving with an invalid license or driving with a suspended license if they drive or operate a motor vehicle:
- When their driver’s license has been suspended or revoked under any law in the state of Texas,
- While their license is expired during a suspension,
- After their petition for renewal of their driver’s license has been denied, and/or
- After their driver’s license has been canceled.
If an individual is charged with driving with a suspended license, it is not a defense to prosecution that they did not know or did not receive notice that their license was suspended, under Tex. Transp. Code § 521.457.
Penalties in Georgetown for Driving with a Suspended License
The penalties for driving with a suspended license can vary depending on the facts surrounding the offense. Under Tex. Transp. Code § 521.457, the following punishments can apply:
- A conviction of driving with a suspended license is generally punishable as a Class C misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by a fine up to $500.
- A driving with a suspended license offense is punishable by a Class B misdemeanor if:
- The offender has previously been convicted of the same offense,
- The offender was operating a vehicle without valid insurance during the commission of the offense, and/or
- The offender had their license previously suspended as the result of a DWI offense.
- If convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, an individual can face up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
- Driving with a suspended license can result in a Class A misdemeanor if the individual caused death or serious bodily injury to another person and they were operating a vehicle without insurance. If convicted of this degree of offense, an individual can face up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000.
Georgetown Occupation License
If an individual’s license is suspended in Texas, they may be able to petition the county or district court in the county where they reside for an occupational license. An occupational license would allow the individual to drive a non-commercial motor vehicle for work, educational purposes or essential household duties.
However, an individual who has had their driver’s license suspended under any law of the state of Texas cannot be granted an occupational license to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Price & Twine, PLLC | Williamson County DWLS Lawyer
Contact Price & Twine, PLLC today at (512) 354-1880, or send an online message for a consultation about your driving with a suspended license offense throughout central Texas, including the areas of Williamson County and Bell County.
Michael J. Price is a knowledgeable and experienced Georgetown criminal defense lawyer who can assist you with every aspect of your alleged driving with a suspended license offense, including how to obtain an occupational license and reinstate your license.