The state may revoke or suspend your driver’s license for a number of reasons, including driving while impaired or going over the speed limit. If you decide to operate a vehicle while your license is under suspension, you run the risk of incurring additional consequences.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a serious traffic violation, but it is a defensible act. You can protect yourself by understanding the penalties and knowing what to do if an officer arrests you for unlawful driving.
What are the penalties for driving with a suspended license?
According to the North Carolina legal statutes, driving while your license is under revocation due to an impaired driving conviction is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Driving with a license suspended for other reasons may only result in a Class 3 misdemeanor. If you do receive a Class 1 misdemeanor, you may receive an additional license suspension as well as fines and up to 120 days of jail time.
How can you defend yourself for driving with a suspended license?
The penalties for driving with a suspended license may seem severe, especially if you feel that you have no other choice. However, you have the option of building a solid legal defense for yourself. You can combat an unlawful driving charge by providing evidence that the original suspension or revocation of your license was a wrongful ruling.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in some jail time, with particular harsh penalties if the act is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, you do not have to accept the charge without executing your right to defense.
