Driving With a Revoked or Suspended License
Driving is an important part of modern society, especially in states like Tennessee that don’t have much in the way of public transportation. We drive to work, to school, to eat — we drive all the time. As such, it’s often an enormous burden when a car isn’t drivable. There are places to be but no way to get there. And as frustrating as those circumstances are, license suspensions are even more so. When a driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, that driver is forced to pretend like their fully-operable vehicle isn’t fully-operable.
Why do licenses get suspended?
Well for starters, it’s not something that just happens to people. Suspensions and revocations are penalties for a wide and varied range of criminal behavior.
Many offenses punishable by drivers license suspensions are fairly obvious: driving under the influence, reckless or negligent driving, possession of drugs while driving, car accidents in which the offender is at fault, stealing a car, and pretty much any felony that involves the felon using a car.
Basically, if you use a car while committing a crime, don’t be surprised when you find out that your license is getting suspended (or revoked).
Suspensions can also be cumulative. If a driver racks up enough minor traffic violations, the state is likely to recognize a pattern of recklessness and suspend their license.
Driving with a suspended license:
The first time a person drives with a suspended or revoked license, it’s either a Class A or B misdemeanor. Fines start at $500 but can amount to $3,000 for repeat offenders, depending on the circumstances. Similarly, jail time can be anywhere between one week and just over a year. Additional fines and charges may be applied where applicable.
The good news about license suspensions and revocations is that it’s not forever. As long as driving is avoided for the court-ordered timeframe, offenders are generally free to have their licenses reinstated.
At Turner Law Offices, P.C., our team of attorneys has years of experience working with clients across a wide range of car-related cases — including those involving drivers license suspensions. If your license has been suspended and you’re uncertain of how to proceed, the best course of action may be to consult an attorney. The sooner you take action, the better, so don’t wait! Call today, or go online to set up your free initial consultation, and meet with a skilled lawyer who’s ready and waiting to guide you toward the justice you deserve.
(615) 259-2660