Your Driving Privileges: Easily Lost With Criminal Charges
Posted on: 21 April 2022
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Some don't give their right to have a driver's license a second thought. However, the privilege of driving legally can be just one of the punishments on the table when criminal charges of any type are considered. Read on and find out how important putting up a good fight can be and how far-flung the punishment is after a conviction of any type.
Driving Related Offenses
It only makes sense to fear for the fate of your driver's license after a traffic-related offense. Traffic tickets, particularly for major issues like speeding, can result in a loss of driving privileges especially if the tickets don't get paid in a timely manner. Naturally, you can also be issued a warrant for your arrest if you ignore any type of traffic ticket. Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) can result in having your driver's license snatched away before you even have a chance to prove your innocence. Other driving-related offenses that could place your license in jeopardy include, leaving accident scenes, fleeing law enforcement, driving impaired, endangering a child (having a child in the vehicle while committing a crime), street racing, and driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license. If you have been arrested for any of the above, it's vital that you get a criminal defense attorney to help you with your case. They can work to help you obtain a hardship license for the time being. Your charges may not stand up if there is little to no evidence, and that can result in your charges being dropped or at least reduced.
Suspensions vs. Revocations
The first level of punishment when it comes to driver's licenses is suspension. Suspensions are meant to be temporary and can be in effect for several months. When it's time to apply for a license after the suspension, expect to face higher than usual license costs. That is considered part of the punishment.
A revocation is permanent and is reserved for the worst drivers. Habitual offenders and those whose driving behaviors have caused injuries and death may never be able to legally drive again. In some states, being convicted of street racing can bring about a license revocation even if the defendant has never been in trouble before.
It's important that defendants approach any sort of driving-related criminal charges with care. Don't wait to speak to a criminal defense attorney about your case. Your attorney needs time to build a case in order to prevent you from losing not just your driving privileges, but much more.
For more information, contact a criminal defense attorney.