Charged with 1543(b) in PA? Steps to Handle DUI-Related License Suspension
Driving with a suspended license is not a great idea. However, if that suspension happened due to DUI, the penalties in PA get much more severe, very quickly.
Under Pennsylvania Code 1543(b), driving under a suspended license due to a DUI conviction is a serious charge that leads to harsh penalties. It’s not just about dealing with fines or more suspension time. It ends up affecting your ability to work, maintain your freedom, and provide for your family. At Logue Law Group, we understand the complications and stress of such charges.
Charged with driving on a DUI-suspended driver’s license in PA? Here’s why you need a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
The Violation of 1543(b)
Under Pennsylvania Code 1543(b), it’s illegal to drive with a revoked or suspended license due to a prior DUI. The same works if you refuse to submit to a chemical examination. This charge carries more penalties than other kinds of license suspensions since it’s linked to the severity of offenses related to DUI.
Penalties
The penalties for this violation differ depending on the frequency, i.e., first time or subsequent. Usually, the consequences include:
- Mandatory jail time: Often, the conviction requires at least 60 days of jail time for the first offense. Subsequent violations mean increased jail time.
- Fines: A fine of $500 is the minimum mandatory amount. There are additional court costs as well.
- Extension of license suspension: An extra year is added to the existing suspension period.
- Requirements of ignition interlock: You might be required to attach an ignition interlock device if you’re eligible for license reinstatement.
- Extra charges: You could face a brand-new DUI charge if you are impaired during the arrest. This considerably balloons your legal problems.
What To Do After You’re Charged
Here’s what you need to do if you’re charged with violating Pennsylvania Code 1543(b).
- Carefully examine the citation. You need to understand this isn’t a minor traffic problem. The 1543(b) charge isn’t a summary offense; it’s a criminal offense with considerable consequences.
- Don’t make any statements, provide explanations, or admit guilt to law enforcement. Anything you mention will be used against you in court.
- Contact an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer immediately. They will evaluate the case, determine potential defenses, and advocate for lesser penalties or charge dismissal.
- If you were driving for a legally permitted reason, provide all necessary documentation to your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. You have to do the same if you think there was a mistake in your suspension status.
Possible Defenses
As we mentioned, the 1543(b) charge is no joke. However, many possible defenses can lead to dismissal or reduced penalties.
- Inadequate suspension notice: You have a defense if you weren’t adequately notified about your license suspension.
- Necessity defense: It might become a mitigating factor if you were driving because of a legitimate emergency.
- Administrative mistakes: Clerical miscommunications or errors with PennDOT can make the suspension invalid.
- Technical issues: If you didn’t give the law enforcement the probable cause to stop the vehicle, the evidence might be suppressed by your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
At Logue Law Group, we approach each case intending to protect your rights and reduce the consequences. If you’ve been charged with a 1543(b) violation, don’t wait to act. The penalties are serious, but with the correct Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, you can protect your life by fighting the charges.Contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com today for a confidential consultation. We will carefully review your case to explore your options and work hard to get the best result for you!