Home > Cincinnati Traffic & Speeding Ticket Lawyers > Driving Under Suspended License Lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio
Driving Under Suspended License Lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio
Charged With Driving Under Suspension? We Can Help
The privilege of driving is easy for anyone to take for granted. The ease and convenience of getting in your vehicle to drive somewhere is not something most people think twice about — you may not realize how much you rely on your driver’s license until you do not have the option of driving.
Driving with a suspended license in Ohio is against the law and considered a serious criminal offense.
Driving With a Suspended License in Ohio (ORC 4510.11)
Driving with a suspended license is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code 4510.11 as any instance in which someone operates a motor vehicle on public roads, highways, or private property used for public travel while their driver’s license is suspended.
Common Reasons for License Suspensions in Cincinnati, OH
There are several reasons why your driver’s license might be suspended in Ohio. Every case is different based on the severity of the facts and circumstances involved. The following are examples of common reasons and explanations for why your driver’s license might be suspended:
- Accumulating too many points on your driving record
- Not passing a driving test
- Any kind of DUI / OVI conviction
- Neglecting to appear in court
- Failing to pay fines or fees
- Being convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, or manslaughter
If you are facing charges for driving with a suspended license, it is imperative that you immediately contact our criminal defense attorney near you. A driving with a suspended license charge can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, and you do not have to go through it alone.
Penalties & Jail Time for Driving with a Suspended License in Ohio
Driving with a suspended license charges carry severe penalties if convicted. If you are convicted of driving with a suspended license, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This entails a maximum of 6 months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Your driver’s license suspension will also be extended for up to one year. You will also be responsible for paying a BMV reinstatement fee when your suspension ends.
Vehicle Immobilization
Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, if this is your first driving with a suspended license offense, you may be subject to having your vehicle immobilized for 30 days and your license plates impounded for 30 days.
If you are facing your second conviction of driving with a suspended license, your vehicle will be immobilized for 60 days, and your license plates will be impounded for 60 days.
A third driving with a suspended license conviction will result in your vehicle being possessed by law enforcement.
How to Get Your License Reinstated in Ohio
Once your license suspension period has ended, you may be eligible for license reinstatement. However, it should be noted that once your license suspension has ended, your license will not automatically be reinstated.
The reinstatement process can be complex. Some of the requirements you may need to meet to get your license reinstated in Ohio include:
- Paying license suspension fees
- Paying license reinstatement fees of up to $50
- Completion of a driver retraining program
- Pass a driving test
- Provide the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with proof of valid auto insurance coverage
What to Do if You’re Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Ohio
If you have been pulled over while driving with a suspended license, you may have concerns about how your future will be affected. First and foremost, you must remain silent. Do not say anything if you are being arrested for driving with a suspended license. Anything you say will be used against you in court.
Once you are arrested and booked, you will remain in a Hamilton County jail cell while you wait for your initial hearing. You will have the opportunity to contact your criminal defense attorney at this time. Once you reach out to your lawyer, we can review your bail options, discuss your arraignment plea, and figure out how to best approach your defense strategy.
How A Suspended License Attorney Can Help
When you have been accused of driving with a suspended license, the state may feel confident in their case against you. However, your attorney can carefully analyze the circumstances of your case to help protect your future. Some of our top responsibilities will include:
- Analyzing the police stop for constitutional rights violations
- Reviewing your case to determine whether police had probable cause for the stop
- Determining whether police mistakes or misconduct occurred in your stop
- Negotiating with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement or pre-trial diversion program
- Preparing a defense strategy to defend you in court
Although every case is different, you should obtain an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney who will fight vigorously for your legal rights and best interests as soon as possible. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your options will be regarding your potential sentence.
Our Cincinnati Criminal Defense team has successfully defended hundreds of individuals charged with driving with a suspended license. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion for your case will help you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact a Cincinnati Driving Under Suspension Lawyer Today
Criminal charges can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. You are probably worried about your freedoms and privileges being at stake and have many questions.
You can rest assured because a Cincinnati traffic lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates is here for you. Get the justice that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at (513) 338-1890 or fill out our secured contact form to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.