So your driver’s license has been suspended or may have even been revoked. You know you can’t legally drive your car but you need something at the drugstore. It’s only a few blocks away anyway, so it seems so easy. Hop into your car, drive to the nearest drugstore, be quick with your business, and return home. If you’re very careful, you won’t attract the attention of a police officer. Before you know it, you’ll be home scot-free. But is this the right way of thinking?

The Possibility of the Impossible

Yes, you’re driving so carefully that you probably won’t be noticed in the sea of many drivers, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong.

1. You may have been driving too slow or too fast that it attracted the attention of a police officer.
2. Because of a wheel misalignment, your car may have been pulling to one side. From the back, it would have looked like the driver was a bit tipsy so the car was gently swerving right and left.
3. Your tail lights or brake lights were not working, and you didn’t notice it when you left home.
4. You were on your mobile phone for only a few minutes, but it was enough for an officer to notice you. After all, most states nowadays are banning the use of mobile phones when driving.
5. Your inspection stickers were out of date.
6. There was a road block ahead and the police were conducting vehicle inspection.
7. It was pure bad luck that your car was mistaken for another vehicle.
8. You parked illegally.
9. Your vehicle’s windows were tinted too darkly.
10. You forgot to use your turn signal.

Simple traffic law violations, really, but it could lead to being pulled over. Since you’re driving with suspended or revoked license, the penalties could increase.

Consequences of Driving with Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License

The severity of the penalty depends upon the number of times you’ve been caught driving with a suspended or revoked license. For first offenses, you can spend at least 10 days in jail and pay a fine of a thousand bucks. For second offenses, you might end up in jail for a year and pay a fine of ten thousand bucks. For third offenses, jail time increases to two and a half years, while the fine remains at ten thousand bucks.

However, if you were caught drunk or under the influence of drugs, then you also have to spend an extra 60 days in jail, on top of the penalty given to you. License suspension may also be lengthened, and hardship license may be denied to you.

Of note though; if you have other criminal charges filed against you when you were caught, then expect the penalties to increase, of course. If you want the penalties to be reduced, then you’ll need to hire a criminal defense lawyer who can help you with the cases.

So, still thinking of driving with suspended or revoked driver’s license? Think again. The consequences of getting caught are far more terrible than taking the public transportation or asking someone for a ride.

Jennifer Daley writes for numerous law-related blogs, including www.elliotsavitzlaw.com. Dealing with the ramifications of traffic violations is not easy, and if you need help, hiring a lawyer will do you a lot of good.

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