Driving with a Suspended License in New York

New York Vehicle & Traffic Law 511

New York criminalizes driving with a suspended licenses and aggressively prosecutes offenders. The most common charge is aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, V.T.L. 511(1)(a). Generally, you are guilty of this offense if you drive a car while knowing or having reason to know that your license is suspended. This is a misdemeanor (criminal charge) and conviction would lead to a permanent criminal record.

In New York City, driving with a suspended license is often charged by way of a desk appearance ticket (DAT). A desk appearance ticket is the same thing as an arrest. So, if you got a desk appearance ticket, you've been arrested. If you were given a desk appearance ticket for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle / driving with a suspended license, this means that your arrest has been referred to the District Attorney for prosecution.

Penalties for driving with a suspended license include:

• 30 days in jail
• Probation
• A $500 fine
• A combination of fines and imprisonment
• Permanent immigration, international travel problems
• Permanent employment problems
• Insurance increases

We handle all types of cases involving desk appearance tickets for driving with a suspended license, including:

• VTL 511 (1)(a)
• VTL 511 (2)(a)(4)
• VTL 511-a

Never Go To Court Alone.

If convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record and you could face additional consequences. When you appear in court, the judge and prosecutor expect you to appear with a competent attorney. Your lawyer should have an extensive understanding of New York criminal law and procedure and the more familiar your attorney is with the New York City Criminal Court, the better. Given what's at stake, only go to court with a criminal defense lawyer. Never go to criminal court alone. This is because if you attempt to "work it out" with the judge, this can have disastrous consequences. Call us for a case evaluation regarding your desk appearance ticket.

What if I didn't know my license was suspended?

New York law recognizes that a driver can have his or her driver's license suspended unknowingly. If you were charged with driving with a suspended license but you were not aware that your license had been suspended prior to your arrest, this may be beneficial but how beneficial will depend on the facts of your case.

Attorney Fletcher is a skilled desk appearance ticket defense attorney who is prepared to help protect your rights to ensure that your case is handled properly. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Fletcher is intimately familiar with how the other side of the legal system operates, and he can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Contact the firm today to have your case reviewed by an experienced desk appearance ticket defense attorney in New York.