Driving While Suspended

This newsletter is intended to answer some basic questions regarding Driving While Suspended or Revoked cases. For more information and a more complete explanation of your rights, please call Kililis, Ridings & Vonau, P.C., P.C. for a free telephone or office consultation.

Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) or Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) is usually charged as a class A misdemeanor, which carries a possible penalty of up to 364 days in the county jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. DWLR can be charged as a felony.*
If you are convicted of DWLS or DWLR you may not only face fines, community service, and/or jail, but the Secretary of State may also extend your period of suspension, usually for one additional year!*
Don't take chances with your license. Your driver’s license affects your freedom to travel, your ability to work and to provide for yourself and your family.

Go To Trial:
You have the right to force the State to prove you guilty at either a jury trial or bench trial (where the judge decides.) Possible defense include that your license was not suspended or revoked when you received your ticket or that you were not driving on a public roadway.*
Court Supervision:

If you plead guilty, or are found guilty after trial, you may be eligible for Court Supervision.* Supervision means the Court withholds entering a judgment against you for a period of time, usually for 3 to 12 months. If you successfully complete Supervision the case against you is dismissed, without a conviction on your permanent record. In most cases, you will still be required to pay a fine and/or do community service.
- Supervision is not a conviction so the Secretary of State will not extend your suspension period.*