In the state of Washington, individuals Driving with a Suspended License face legal penalties and potential complications that can impact various aspects of their lives. Understanding the intricacies of driving with a suspended license and its potential repercussions is crucial to make informed decisions and take appropriate action. The Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer prides itself on its ability to assist individuals in regards to legal matters such as these. We employ a team of incredibly experienced attorneys that will work diligently to build a strong defense case for you.

What is Suspension Vs. Revocation?

While both suspension and revocation both remove your driving privileges, they have different requirements for regaining those privileges. For suspension, it may be as simple as renewing your license, or if your license was suspended because of a DUI you will still be able to drive with an ignition interlock. Generally speaking, suspension allows for alternatives when driving and it usually lasts less than a year. Revocation is more serious as there are no options available for you to drive during the revocation period, which is usually more than a year.

Washington’s suspended license can carry potential penalties such as fines, imprisonment, and further suspension. The severity of the consequences can vary depending on the circumstances, including the reason for the initial suspension and any previous offenses.

Driving With License Suspended in the 1st Degree: If you are driving with a suspended or revoked license and are a habitual offender, you may be charged with Driving With License Suspended in the First Degree. A habitual offender is defined as an individual who, in the past 5 years, has had 3 or more convictions related to traffic crimes, or has had 20 or more traffic violations. This offense is classified as a Gross Misdemeanor and punishable by up to 364 days in jail and up to $5,000.00 in fines.

Driving With License Suspended in the 2nd Degree: Driving with a suspended or revoked license can be charged as Driving With License Suspended in the second Degree. This crime is categorized as a Gross Misdemeanor and can carry penalties that range up to 364 days in jail and $5,000.00 in fines.

Driving With License Suspended in the 3rd Degree: You can be charged with Driving With License Suspended if you are driving with a suspended or revoked license due to failure to respond to a traffic ticket or if your license has expired. This offense is a Misdemeanor, and if convicted you may face up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,00

If you are driving with a revoked license from another state, you will be charged according to Washington state law. Furthermore, a conviction for driving with a suspended license can have long-term effects. It can result in an extension of the initial suspension period or even permanent revocation of driving privileges. Additionally, the offense will be recorded on the offender’s driving record, potentially leading to increased insurance premiums and difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future.

Why Is My License Suspended?

The Department of Licensing(DOL) has a free tool that tells you what you need to do to reinstate your license. If you still have more questions, a driving abstract will provide more information about why your license is suspended and when you will be able to reinstate. Finally, a discussion with a knowledgeable attorney can further clarify what your next steps should be. Having a Washington suspended license need not end in a criminal charge.

How Can We Help You?

Driving with a suspended license in the state of Washington is a serious offense with potentially severe consequences. Seeking professional legal assistance is highly recommended when facing charges related to Washington suspended license. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help assess the case, explore available legal defenses, and work towards a favorable resolution. By understanding the intricacies of the law and taking appropriate action, individuals can minimize the potential impact on their lives and work towards reinstating their driving privileges responsibly. The attorneys at our office can help you understand what needs to be done, and if needed, represent you in court with a strong case built for you.

Don’t hesitate, call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer today at (360) 334-6277 to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly qualified attorneys in Washington State.