Has your driver’s license been suspended in Collin County? Without a valid license, it’s hard to get to work, do chores, or spend time with family and friends. While you might be tempted to drive anyway, think twice before you do. Getting caught driving on a suspended license in Collin County can have severe consequences, including everything from fines and a longer license suspension to jail time in some cases.
If you or someone you know faces charges of driving on a suspended license, you need a lawyer’s help immediately. Here’s what you can expect if you’re caught driving without a license, and how the Collin County criminal defense lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian can help.
Is Driving on a Suspended License a Criminal Offense?
Driving on a suspended license carries significant penalties in Texas. The Texas Transportation Code lists driving on a suspended license as a Class C misdemeanor in most cases, with penalties that can include a fine of up to $500.
However, there are some circumstances where driving on a suspended license can carry harsher penalties. For example, driving on a suspended license while not carrying the minimum amount of car insurance coverage is a Class B misdemeanor. If someone drives on a suspended license without proper insurance coverage and causes an accident leading to serious injuries or deaths, that person has committed a Class A misdemeanor. In Texas, the penalties for Class B misdemeanors include up to 180 days in jail, while penalties for Class A misdemeanors can include up to 1 year in jail.
Most Common Reasons for Driver’s License Suspensions in Texas
There are literally dozens of potential reasons for a driver’s license suspension in Texas, according to the Department of Public Safety. Among the most common are as follows:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Texas enforces strict DWI laws. If you’re arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your license can be automatically suspended. This is a measure to prevent further risk on the roads.
- Refusal to Submit to a Blood or Breath Test: Under the state’s implied consent laws, refusing a legally requested blood or breath test when suspected of DUI can lead to automatic license suspension. This policy supports the state’s efforts to combat impaired driving.
- Excessive Traffic Violations: Accumulating too many traffic tickets or points on your driving record within a specified period also leads to suspension. Infractions that lead to ticketing and points include speeding, running red lights, and other moving violations.
- Non-Payment of Traffic Fines: Failing to pay fines for traffic violations by the due date can result in a suspended license. This ensures that penalties are taken seriously and adhered to.
- Driving Without Insurance: Operating a vehicle without the minimum required insurance coverage is another common reason for suspension, as Texas law mandates all drivers to have insurance to protect all road users.
- Child Support Delinquency: In Texas, failing to comply with child support orders can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license. This is a legal tool used to enforce child support agreements.
- Driving with an Invalid License: If you are caught driving with an expired, revoked, or otherwise invalid license, your driving privileges can be suspended for longer.
How Long Does a Driver’s License Suspension Last in Texas?
In Texas, the length of a driver’s license suspension varies based on several factors. The specific reason for the suspension plays a crucial role in determining how long you’ll be without your driving privileges. For some minor infractions, individuals may be able to restore their driving privileges relatively quickly. This often involves paying any required fees, completing a defensive driving course, or fulfilling other state-mandated requirements. These steps are designed to ensure that drivers have corrected any behaviors that led to the suspension.
In more severe cases, such as those involving repeat DWI or other serious offenses, the suspension can last for a year or longer. During this time, it’s important for drivers to adhere to the terms of the suspension to avoid further penalties.
Does Texas Allow Occupational Licenses for Driver’s License Suspensions?
There are cases where Texas law allows drivers to apply for an occupational license after a driver’s license suspension. An occupational license allows you to go to and from your job, but that’s all. It’s a compromise meant to help people go to work while still punishing them for traffic offenses or other legal violations. An occupational license is not always available after a driver’s license suspension, though. An attorney can review your case and tell you whether you might qualify for an occupational license.
How Do You Get Your Driving Privileges Back After a License Suspension?
Restoring your driving privileges after a license suspension can be a complex task. Depending on the circumstances, paying a fee and taking a few additional steps is enough to regain your license. If you’re dealing with a more serious case, you might have to go through more elaborate steps, like installing an ignition interlock device after a DWI conviction. You might even have to attend a court hearing in some cases.
The best way to figure out what you need to do to regain your driving privileges is to talk to a knowledgeable lawyer. Your lawyer can go through your case with you and explain what you have to do to get your license back.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Get Your Driver’s License Back
The Collin County criminal defense lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian know how inconvenient it is to lose your driving privileges. If your license has been suspended, we can work with you to address the underlying issue and get your license back. We’ll start by reviewing your case and identifying the steps you need to take to regain your driving privileges. Then, we’ll create a step-by-step plan to guide you through the process as quickly as possible. You can count on us to provide the thorough, compassionate legal and emotional support you need.
The sooner you speak to a lawyer about your driver’s license suspension, the sooner you can take steps to get it back. Call us today or complete our contact form for a confidential consultation.