Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Regardless of whether or not you knew you were driving on a suspended license, you are still charged with a criminal offense. The fact that you believed your license was valid is not necessarily a legal defense which will work in your favor. Depending upon the circumstances that results in your license being suspended, you could be facing severe punishment. Michigan driver’s license suspense attorneys know how to effectively challenge the charges, and work to help ensure that you keep your license.
There are multiple reasons you may have had your Michigan driver’s license suspended including DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, hit and run and other traffic offenses. In the state of Michigan, driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor offense which can result in fines of up to $500 for a first offense, as well as up to 93 days in jail. Subsequent convictions mean penalties become even more severe.
If you were driving on a suspended license and caused an accident, you will face felony charges which are typically much more serious than misdemeanor charges. In fact, you could be sentenced to fines of as much as $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison depending upon the circumstances and whether an individual lost his/her life in the accident. When someone loses their life, the stakes become even higher.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is critical that you consult with a skilled driver’s license suspension lawyer in Michigan who will work to protect your rights and protect you from serious consequences. A suspended license impacts your ability to work or seek employment, and a criminal record will haunt you in various aspects of your life for decades to come.