Fairfax DUI Defense Lawyers
Virginia is what’s called a “notice state” for purposes of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License. Our clients frequently avoid the more serious ramifications of this charge because of our knowledge of available legal defenses.
Stiff, Mandatory Penalties for Conviction
If you are convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license charge, the judge is required to suspend your license for a period of time equal to the original suspension period. Moreover, this is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law, which means the judge may impose jail time upon conviction. In addition, you cannot obtain a restricted license during the applicable suspension period. Our attorneys know which paths to take to avoid such sanctions and punishment.
Fairness and the law. You can be convicted of a DUI and obtain a restricted license to drive to and from work or school. However, you are not eligible for a restricted license if you simply forget to update your proof of insurance or did not pay a court fine on time. It doesn't seem fair, but that's the law in Virginia.
Aggressive Defense of Driving on Suspended Charges
At MacDowell & Associates in Fairfax, our Fairfax, Virginia suspended license lawyers aggressively defend driving on suspended charges. We understand the consequences of losing your license. Without the right to drive, many people are unable to work and earn a living. We will do everything possible to help you retain your driving privileges.
In every driving on suspended charge, we ask three important questions:
- Were You Driving? Our lawyers will make the prosecution prove that it was actually you who was driving on a suspended license. Was it a case a mistaken identity? Was another person actually behind the wheel?
- Did You Know Your License Was Suspended? Was there evidence in the police report or in your driving record to show that you knew your license was suspended? Just because a letter was mailed to your address doesn't mean you were aware of the suspension.
- Did the officer have a legal right to stop your car? If the police are unable to produce a reasonable explanation for why your car was stopped, they may have violated your constitutional rights. If so, we will move to have the evidence against you thrown out of court.
A conviction for driving on suspension charges will stay on your record for 11 years. Don't risk losing your license or other serious repercussions. If you have been charged with driving on a suspended, revoked or invalid license, please contact the attorneys of MacDowell & Associates in Fairfax for experienced legal help. Call 703-763-0923 for a free consultation.
