Anne Arundel County Driving Without a License Lawyer
Driving without a license is a unique traffic offense. Fortunately, an experienced traffic attorney may be able to help build a defense to fight such charges. An Anne Arundel County driving without a license lawyer could be the advisor you need to understand the differences between driving without a license and driving on a revoked or suspended license. Call today to set up a consultation.
Understanding Driving Without a License Charges
A driving without a license charge is exactly what it sounds like, which is an individual operating a motor vehicle without possessing the legally mandated credentials. Penalties for this type of charge include fines or even a period of incarceration.
A judge may show leniency in one of these cases if the driver is in the process of obtaining a license. The priority of the court here is not to act punitively, but to ensure that drivers are licensed and trained for the safety of the public. Judges often want to know if a driver has taken any steps to get a license between the charge and their court appearance.
Driving without a license is distinct from driving without a license present. If a driver has left their license somewhere else but has a valid license, they would only be guilty of failing to show their license during a traffic stop. The penalty for failing to show a license is an $80 fee, and it is a relatively minor offense. For more information, contact a driving without a license lawyer in Anne Arundel County.
Driving Without a License vs. Suspended and Revoked Licenses
Driving without a license and driving with a license that is either suspended or revoked are entirely different charges. If a license is suspended, the individual still has a license. Their charge is driving on a suspended license which carries separate penalties. Likewise, driving when a license has been fully revoked can lead to severe penalties, but is also different from driving without any license whatsoever.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license carries a penalty of up to a year in jail due to the presence of prior convictions. Likewise, driving without a license may exacerbate other charges such as a DUI. Drivers may lose their license or have it suspended for many reasons, including:
- Too many points on their permanent driving record
- DUI
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving repeat offenses
- Arrears in child support
- Seatbelt tickets
- Unpaid speeding tickets
- Failing to complete required emissions testing
Some of these reasons are administrative in nature and therefore, not as serious as the justifications for suspension involving harm to others or property. A few of the above reasons indicate that an individual is a bad, negligent, or dangerous driver. In some of the other instances, a license suspension or revocation is meant as a punitive measure.
Call an Anne Arundel County Driving Without a License Attorney
Driving without a license stands apart from other serious traffic charges as no prior wrongdoing is required, only that you are not licensed to operate a motor vehicle.
If you have been charged with driving without a license, or you are unsure about the distinctions between driving without a license and driving on a suspended or revoked license, a skilled Anne Arundel County driving without a license lawyer may be able to help you. Call today to schedule a consultation on your citations.