Stamford Operating Without a License or Under Suspension Lawyer
If you have been charged with driving without a valid license, or driving after your license was suspended, you need to be aware of your legal rights. It is important to speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your driving privileges and freedom.
A conviction for driving without a license can result in serious jail time, steep fines, and even a felony record. You also risk losing your driving privileges permanently. However, there are ways to defend yourself, and you do not have to face these motor vehicle charges alone.
Our Stamford operating without a license or under suspension lawyers have the experience needed to successfully defend against these charges, and will help you every step of the way.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
After being arrested for driving without a valid license, people may feel helpless to defend themselves. Although the law provides for specific penalties for these types of offenses, there are many factors and legal elements that must be taken into account by the judge during sentencing.
Defendants need an attorney with experience defending against these charges who understands the intricacies of this area of the law to make the judge aware of the factors that weigh in their client’s favor. A person’s sentence can often be reduced through sound legal arguments.
An experienced defense attorney can help clients take advantage of the discretion Connecticut judges are given to lower jail sentences and fines, depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Penalties for Operating Without a License
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Connecticut without a valid license. Connecticut laws relating to obtaining a driver’s license, the circumstances under which driving privileges can be suspended, and penalties for driving without a valid license can be found in Chapter 248, Title 14, of the Connecticut Code. The penalties for driving after a license has been suspended can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case.
There are many instances in which a license can be temporarily suspended or revoked, including driving without liability insurance, or failing to stop after being involved in a serious crash, (also known as a “hit and run”). Driving while a license is suspended can increase the time of a driver’s suspension or result in a permanent revocation of their license, in addition to being another criminal charge.
If someone is caught driving after their license was suspended or revoked as a result of a DUI or vehicular manslaughter offense, the person may be found guilty of a felony offense. A felony conviction for driving without a license can result in prison sentences of up to three years, as well as a lifetime criminal felony record.
Although driving without a license may result in a felony conviction in certain circumstances, it is typically a misdemeanor offense.
A first offense conviction for driving without a license or driving with a suspended license can result in jail time of up to 90 days, a fine of $200, or both. The penalties someone will face if convicted are more severe if they are a repeat offender.
Subsequent offenses for driving without a license can result in jail time of up to one year, a fine of up to $600, or both. People may also be required to complete a certain number of hours engaged in community service.
Contact A Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing charges for driving without a valid license, it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the penalties you may face if convicted.
In addition to jail time and steep fines, the revocation of your driving privileges can affect every aspect of your life. If this is not your first offense or there are other complicating factors in your case, you will find yourself at a disadvantage in court without experienced legal representation.
If you were arrested in the Stamford area while driving without a license, do not delay in obtaining legal representation. Contact an experienced Stamford operating without a license or under suspension attorney to discuss your case today.