PA Law Breakdown: Consequences of Driving Unlicensed
Pennsylvania law is tough if you’re charged with driving without a license. It can result in penalties that include jail time and costly fines.
To defend you against this charge, you will need an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. You will need the experience they bring to aggressively and skillfully defend you in court. In this blog, we discuss the consequences of driving without a license as well.
Reasons for Driving Without a License
You don’t have your license in your possession
If you’re a licensed driver but you don’t have it on you, it means you have no proof of having a license. This violation is dismissed if you can prove you have a valid license in your possession. However, you will still need to pay a fee.
Authorities suspended, revoked, or canceled your license
First-time offenders pay a fine of up to $500 and get jail time for 60- 90 days. However, if you get your license suspended due to a DUI, and there’s evidence of elevated blood alcohol content, you pay a $1000 fine as a first-time offender. You even face jail time of 90 days.
A second-time offense is charged as a third-degree misdemeanor. You will be fined $2500 and be imprisoned for at least 6 months. For a third offense, it becomes a first-degree misdemeanor. The fine increases to $5000, and the imprisonment period increases to 2 years.
Moreover, if you get convicted for driving with a suspended or revoked license, the suspension or revocation period increases. In certain cases, your car might also be impounded. So, it’s obvious why you need expert legal counsel from a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer in such a situation.
Expired license–or you never applied for one
PA Statute 1501 states that all drivers of motor vehicles should be licensed. An exception is only made for those who are explicitly exempted. Violators are charged a $200 fine unless they prove that they used to hold a valid driver’s license. A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you prove this.
Suspended or revoked license due to criminal convictions
Your license can be suspended or revoked due to specific criminal convictions, such as:
- Racing competitively on highways
- Committing a vehicular felony
- Vehicular homicide due to intoxicated driving
- Careless or reckless driving
- Serious vehicular assault due to DUI
- Vehicle accidents that lead to property damage, injury, or death
Fighting Charges of Driving Without a License
Fighting this charge can be difficult. After the district attorney or prosecutor alleges that you drove without a license, you need to provide evidence that you had a valid license during the incident. You’re bound to get a conviction if you cannot provide the evidence.
A conviction for this charge can also affect your life in other ways. You risk heavy fines, license revocation, or suspension for longer periods, and a jail term. On top of this, it also hinders your ability to go to work, stay in school, and causes issues with your insurance company. Although there are laws with penalties for such crimes, the sentence is actually shaped by the opinions of the prosecutors and local judges. This is why only a seasoned Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can provide you with the support and guidance you need.
For the best legal counsel, reach out to us at Logue Law Group. Our team of Pittsburgh criminal lawyers will find the solution for you and defend you for the best possible outcome. Send us a message at sean@seanloguelaw.com.