What Happens After You Are Pulled Over for a Suspended License in Atlanta?
Driving on a suspended license is never a good idea. Georgia courts will suspend your license for multiple offenses, and making sure you obey this ruling and avoid driving for the suspended period is recommended.
While this is true, situations arise, and you may get behind the wheel. If the authorities catch you driving on a suspended license, you can face significant consequences, including fines, jail time, and more.
Contact an Atlanta attorney for assistance if you find yourself in this situation. They can work to gather evidence and help reduce or eliminate the potential consequences you will face.
Common Reasons Your License May be Suspended in Georgia
As mentioned above, there are a few reasons your license may be suspended in Georgia. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Fictitious or fraudulent use of a license
- Homicide by vehicle
- Using vehicles while committing a felony
- DUI
- Accumulating 15 points in two years
- Hit and run
- Driving without proper insurance
- Racing
- Drug offenses
- Refusal of breath test
- Fleeing arrest
- Failure to appear
Regardless of why your license is suspended, you can face additional penalties if you are caught driving during this suspension period.
Possible Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
You can face misdemeanor charges if the authorities pull you over while your license is suspended. This is the case if this is your first offense ever or your first offense in five years.
In this situation, you will face fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of at least two days but up to 12 months.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license for a second or subsequent time, you will face a misdemeanor of high and aggravated nature charges. The penalties for this charge include fines of $1,000 to $2,500 and jail time of 10 days to 12 months.
These consequences apply to situations where you plea no contest (nolo contendere).
In situations where you are found driving with a suspended license, your license will be taken and attached to the citation that is sent to the Department. The suspension of your license will also be extended for a period of six months.
DUI Charges When Driving on a Suspended License
While driving on a suspended license is not a good idea, the potential consequences can be even worse if you are driving under the influence on a suspended license.
Unfortunately, many people with a suspended license will continue to drive – even after drinking. If you are arrested for DUI with a suspended license, you will likely face the consequences for both these charges.
You must speak to an experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney before pleading guilty to one or multiple criminal charges. They may be able to help you have the charges reduced or even dismissed.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney to Help with Your Suspended License Case
If you are pulled over while driving on a suspended license, you need to understand the potential consequences of a conviction.
The potential penalties can make things even more challenging for you and will likely result in at least a few days in jail.
In this situation, hiring an experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney is recommended. They will review the facts of your case and help you get the desired outcome.
Remember, any criminal charge is serious, and you should take it seriously. Without legal representation, the penalties may be much more severe than they should be.
