Having your license suspended can be quite inconveniencing and even quite painful. You could have fueled at a gas station and forgotten to pay, and ended up with your license suspended automatically. Or, you may have been distracted and failed to see a school bus, and now your license is suspended. What do you do if your work involves driving around a lot? The first temptation may very well be driving with a suspended license in Oklahoma City.
Ditch that idea as soon as it comes to mind. You could end up paying hefty fines or doing time in jail for driving while your license is suspended. It would be better to wait for the suspension period to pass before you drive again on a public road. If the need arises, hire a driver or use public transit to get around.
Driving With A Suspended License In Oklahoma City
Your license becomes automatically suspended if you commit certain offenses such as using your vehicle to transport drugs, running after hitting someone, and negligent homicide. Your license can also be suspended after other situations arise — even though the suspension is not automatic.
If your license has been unfairly suspended, an Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney can help.
Elements Of The Crime
The state must prove the following elements of the crime beyond a shadow of a doubt to obtain a conviction.
First, the defendant drove a motor vehicle upon a public road, street, highway, turnpike, or public place in Oklahoma,
Second, while his or her driver’s or operator’s license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle was canceled, denied, suspended, or revoked.
OR
Second, while he or she was disqualified from driving.
Penalties For Driving With A Suspended License In Oklahoma City
A defendant convicted of driving with a suspended license in Oklahoma City faces rather severe penalties. In a case of automatic suspension of a driving license, a defendant faces up to a year in jail and a fine between $500 and $5,000.
If a defendant’s license has been suspended for other reasons and not automatically, he or she may face up to a year in jail and a fine between $100 and $500. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 6-303
Get Help
It could be a lazy Sunday when you decide to dash in your car to the supermarket or a friend’s place even though your license has been suspended. Along the way somewhere, and when you least expect it, you encounter law enforcement officers. Now you are in trouble over driving while your license has been suspended.
The temptation to talk a lot to the police is very tempting. Just admit the mistake and let the police help you avoid a jail term or hefty fines. An even better option is to call an Oklahoma City misdemeanor attorney.
When you have an attorney by your side, you have a legal expert to match the expertise on the other side. Remember, the police are not working to keep you out of jail or from paying hefty fines. Law enforcement, first and foremost, represents the state and want to build a case against you.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
We make it easy for you to get answers to your most pressing questions. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney. Call today for answers to your questions.
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.