DUI without a License in Frederick County

Being charged with drunk driving is a major concern. However, it can be even more alarming when it happens under a suspended license or without any valid license at all. Even being charged as an out-of-state driver could present confusion. If this has happened to you, it is in your best interest to work with a dependable drunk driving attorney. Experienced legal counsel could help you defend your DUI charge in Frederick County even if you do not have a license. It is important to know the potential consequences and how you might be able to avoid them.

The Impact of Driving without a License

In some instances, it will not matter if someone is charged with a DUI while driving without a license, because the driving under the influence offense creates a danger to others, and thus will be the focus of the hearing. Someone might not have their license because they did not have time or opportunity to complete the driving test but might otherwise be a capable driver.

Driving without a license is not the most egregious of offenses, although some judges will see it as actionable. A local lawyer could work with the defendant to try to get the license charge dismissed.

How is a License Violation Charged After a DUI?

A DUI without a license is a separate charge that carries potentially 60 days in jail in Frederick County. The prosecutor could decide to prosecute that charge in addition to the DUI, possibly adding extra jail time to a sentence. However, judges typically just focus on the driving under the influence offense as that is the more serious offense.

Often, lawyers will try to negotiate a dismissal of one charge in exchange for an admission of another. Unfortunately, some judges are strict about the rules and do not allow for some leeway on these charges. All charges arising out of the same traffic incident or occurrence will be held at the same time.

Suspended License vs. Unlicensed Driver

A person could also be charged for driving on a suspended license, depending on what the suspension was for. If their license was suspended because they failed to pay a seatbelt ticket, a judge or prosecutor might be willing to let it go. If their license was suspended because of a prior DUI or other serious traffic issue, a person could potentially face jail time.

How Are Charges Affected if the Driver Has an Out-of-State License?

Someone who holds an out-of-state license will be charged the same as an in-state license holder. The difference comes in the sanction for their license and whether the judge can put them on supervised probation. Judges are unable to supervise an out-of-state resident in many misdemeanor instances and they cannot transfer probation to the state where the person lives. In these cases, the judge can sometimes be a little harsher with that person’s sentence, knowing there is nothing they can do to supervise that driver. A nearby lawyer could advocate for a defendant without a Maryland driver’s license after a DUI.

Each judge treats criminal justice differently, although there is some general uniformity. Some judges require a defendant to install an interlock device on their car after a DUI, while other judges let the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration deal with that potential consequence. Some judges require lengthy periods of probation to be supervised, while others may do a reduced period that is unsupervised, or partially unsupervised. Thus, the results of a hearing have more to do with individual judges than with the jurisdictions it takes place in.

Speak to an Attorney if You Received a DUI without a License in Frederick County

Regardless of whether someone is from in-state or from out-of-state, a skilled Frederick County attorney could help a driver without a valid license challenge their DUI case and obtain the best result possible based on the circumstances. It is important to have an attorney who is familiar with what can and cannot be done to avoid future problems.

Call an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to get started on your case.