Virginia License Suspension

Your driver’s license is more than just a card you carry in your wallet; you rely on transportation for work, family, and community. However, it is always important to remember that driving is a privilege that can be taken away. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV) is tasked with administering driver’s licenses, and it will suspend them in appropriate cases. A driver’s license suspension means that your privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been withdrawn temporarily. Once the suspension period concludes, you must pay fees and go through reinstatement to get it back.

There are many reasons VA DMV may issue a suspension, so the key to avoiding the loss of your license is to fight the underlying ticket or other charges. Hampton Injury Law PLC is prepared to assist with your defense and obtain a favorable outcome, so please contact us to schedule a case evaluation. A Virginia license suspension lawyer can advise you on the specifics of your case, but understanding some general information is also useful.

Reasons Your Driver’s License May Be Suspended

Most violations of Virginia’s rules of the road will result in a ticket and fine. Other acts could immediately or eventually lead to a license suspension, such as:

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Operating a vehicle while your license is revoked;
• Making false statements to VA DMV;
• Being convicted of a drug offense involving the use of a motor vehicle;
• A conviction for a felony involving a vehicle;
• Taking a driver’s license test for someone else;
• Presenting yourself as someone else for purposes of renewing a license; and,
• Fleeing from police.

Driving on a Suspended License

Another criminal offense is associated with license suspension, but the charges are linked to unlawful acts after your privilege to drive is withdrawn. The act of operating a vehicle is a crime if you are not legally allowed to drive. Driving on a suspended license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, so you could be sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

However, there are also penalties issued by the VA DMV, the agency in charge of your driver’s license. For driving while your license is suspended, you could receive an additional suspension for the same duration as the original.

Getting Legal Help with License Suspensions

One tactic to avoid a suspended license is to defend all traffic tickets that could lead to points. Instead of merely accepting the fine, work with an attorney that can help keep the matter off your record. With offenses that result in an immediate suspension, legal assistance is crucial. Hampton Injury Law PLC can help with defenses and strategies for getting a positive outcome, such as plea bargaining.

Discuss Strategies with a Virginia License Suspension Attorney

As you can see, legal representation is essential when your driving privileges are at risk. To learn more about your rights, please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC to set up a case evaluation with a knowledgeable license suspension lawyer.