Several states frown upon the idea of driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license and the punishment can be steep depending on the facts of the case. However, in certain cases, hiring the best automotive accident attorney in Lansing can prove beneficial to the overall outcome of the case as he or she may be able to argue the circumstances surrounding the DWLS / DWLR (Driving with License suspended or revoked). The overall circumstances presented and quality of representation can play significant roles in determining the charges, penalties and punishments for the crime thus determining whether you have a chance to protect your rights, freedom and future.
Reasons For a License Suspension
To better understand the complexity of this crime, first, we look into the reasons for suspended driving privileges.
- DUI/OWI: One of the most common reasons for a suspended or revoked driving license is the case of DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance).
- Traffic offenses such as unpaid traffic tickets, too many points and others
- Failure to pay child support
- Failure to stop and render assistance at the scene of an accident and more.
DWLS or DWLR charges however do not pay attention to the underlying reasons for which the suspension may have been caused. However, suspensions arising from DUI or OWI charges, especially in cases of multiple convictions, can result in more aggravated charges and penalties which may further restrict the offender’s driving privileges.
DWLS CHARGES AND PENALTIES
When arrested driving with a suspended or revoked license, there is the need to understand that while this crime is not as serious as a murder charge, it is a serious criminal offense that has several impacts on a number of areas of the offender’s life including finances, relationship, career and more. The long term effects of DWLS charges can also impact other areas such as freedom, ability to operate a vehicle and more.
Depending on the individual involved in the case, DWLS may also be considered as a misdemeanor or a felony. To better understand the gravity of the charges faced, below are some of the charges and possible penalties for it.
- First offense:
The court considers the first DWLS offense as a misdemeanor and as such punishes this crime with fines which may be as high as $500. The driver may also be fined additional fees such as responsibility fee, cancellation of registration plates, probation, mandatory additional suspension and may get as much as 93 days in jail.
- Second Offense:
For a second time offender, the fines and penalties attributed will become steeper and heftier. The offender may be fined as much as $1000, driver responsibility fees and other punishments such as cancellation of registration plates, and additional suspension term mounted on pre-existing suspension. In addition to this, the offender may also be sentenced to as much as 2 years of probation and up to 1 year jail term.
- Multiple DWLS / DWLR Convictions:
When a repeat offender is caught, heftier penalties which results in longer imprisonment terms may be imposed. In most cases, the driving privileges may be taken away for longer periods of time and lengthier jail terms.
- DWLS resulting in injury
Driving with a suspended license which leads to an accident causing injuries can be treated as a felony and carries as much as 5 years prison term.
- DWLS Involving death
When driving with a suspended license results in the death of a road user, the penalties become grave as the offender may be sentenced to as much as 15 years in prison.
Working With A Lansing Attorney for DWLS Charges
Hiring the best defense attorney from https://theclarklawoffice.com/auto-accident-attorneys/ can however prove advantageous to the overall outcome of the case as the defense attorney may argue a number of defenses including the driver’s lack of knowledge that a license was suspended, driving with a suspended license arose from an emergency needs, reduction of felony charges to misdemeanor and more.
Clark Law Office
4121 Okemos Rd #13
Okemos, MI 48864
(517) 347-6900
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