Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
When your driver’s license has been suspended, it’s easy to break the law and continue to drive; after all, driving is a necessity and leading a normal life is almost impossible if you cannot get behind the wheel. The fact is, there are far more people who drive on a suspended license who don’t get caught – but when you do, the consequences may be serious. Driving on a suspended license is usually considered a misdemeanor offense for first-time offenders, however the penalties for someone who is a repeat offender will be more severe.
There are circumstances in which someone may drive not knowing that his or her license has been suspended. While this is not necessarily a solid legal defense, your Michigan driver’s license restoration attorney may be able to challenge any charges against you.
The consequences you face for driving on a suspended license depend largely on why your license was suspended, whether you are a repeat offender, and other factors. For instance, if an accident occurred while you were driving on a suspended license, you may face a felony charge. If anyone involved in the accident was injured, you could face penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of between $1,000 and $5,000. Even worse, if an individual lost his or her life because of the accident, you could spend as many as 15 years behind bars, and be required to pay fines of up to $10,000.
If you are simply caught driving on a suspended license during a routine traffic stop and are a first-time offender, the penalties you face include a fine of up to $500 and potential jail time of 93 days; however if it is a second offense, those penalties increase to up to 1 year in prison and/or $1,000 in fines. In addition, you may find that your auto insurance company raises your rates, requires you to purchase special coverage, or even drops you altogether.
Regardless of your situation, the smartest thing you can do is contact a capable Michigan driver’s license reinstatement lawyer who will review your situation and determine the best course of action to take. Driving is a necessary part of life; let a skilled attorney help you win this battle.