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Driving on Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Arizona is a serious offense that can lead to further legal complications and penalties. Feldman Royle offers expert legal guidance for those facing such charges. Our approach is to navigate the complexities of Arizona's driving laws, ensuring that your case is handled with the utmost care and expertise. Whether your license was suspended due to DUI, unpaid fines, or other reasons, we are committed to providing a robust defense and exploring every avenue to mitigate the consequences and restore your driving privileges.
Understand 

Understanding Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona Law

In Arizona, driving on a suspended license is a serious criminal offense that can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines, extended suspension periods, and even potential jail time. The state enforces strict penalties to deter individuals from operating a vehicle without a valid license, as doing so poses risks to public safety and legal compliance. Feldman & Royle emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for a license suspension, such as unpaid fines, DUI-related offenses, or failure to meet court requirements. Being caught driving with a suspended license can further complicate a person’s legal standing, making it crucial to seek legal guidance and explore options for reinstating driving privileges lawfully.

Driving on a Suspended License under Arizona Law

Arizona law takes driving on a suspended license seriously. The reasons for suspension can vary, including DUI convictions, accumulation of points, failure to pay fines, or lack of insurance. Feldman Royle points out that being aware of your license status and adhering to the terms of suspension are crucial to avoid further legal issues.

1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Violations

A DUI conviction is one of the leading causes of license suspension in Arizona. The state enforces strict DUI laws, and even a first-time offense can result in a suspension ranging from 90 days to one year. Repeat offenses carry even harsher penalties, including extended suspensions and revocations.

2. Accumulation of Excessive Points on Driving Record

Arizona operates under a point-based system where traffic violations add points to a driver’s record. If a driver accumulates 8 or more points within 12 months, their license may be suspended. Serious violations, such as reckless driving or aggressive driving, carry higher point values and can lead to quicker suspensions.

3. Failure to Appear in Court or Pay Fines

Ignoring a traffic ticket by failing to appear in court or neglecting to pay fines can result in an automatic suspension. The state considers this a legal violation and takes strict action against individuals who fail to comply with court orders.

4. Driving Without Insurance

Arizona law requires all drivers to maintain minimum auto insurance coverage. If a driver is caught operating a vehicle without valid insurance or fails to provide proof of coverage, their license can be suspended until they meet the necessary insurance requirements and pay reinstatement fees.

5. Unpaid Child Support

Non-payment of court-ordered child support can also result in a driver’s license suspension. The Arizona Department of Economic Security has the authority to suspend driving privileges until the overdue payments are resolved.

6. Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Reckless driving, excessive speeding, and aggressive maneuvers endangering others can lead to a suspension, especially if the driver has prior offenses. Multiple violations increase the likelihood of an extended suspension period.

Know Your Rights

Your Rights in Cases of Driving on a Suspended License

If you’re charged with driving on a suspended license, you have the right to legal representation. Feldman Royle advises seeking legal counsel to navigate the complexities of your case, especially if the suspension is related to more serious underlying issues like DUI charges.

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Defenses

Defending Against Charges of Driving on a Suspended License

Defenses in cases of driving on a suspended license can include lack of knowledge of the suspension, incorrect or incomplete notification about the suspension, or emergency situations that necessitated driving. Feldman Royle focuses on these and other defense strategies to challenge the charges and seek the best possible outcome.

When facing charges for driving on a suspended license in Arizona, it is crucial to explore all possible defense strategies. Common defenses include lack of knowledge about the suspension, incomplete or incorrect notification from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), or emergency circumstances that required the individual to drive. In some cases, administrative errors or outdated records may also play a role in a wrongful suspension.

If you have been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license in Arizona, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights with an experienced defense attorney. Feldman & Royle has extensive experience handling traffic-related criminal cases and is committed to defending clients against severe penalties, including fines, extended suspensions, and even potential jail time.

Call us today or fill out our online form for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, in Arizona, driving on a suspended license is considered a criminal offense rather than just a simple traffic violation. Depending on the circumstances, it can be charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which may result in fines, an extension of the suspension period, probation, or even jail time.

Consequences can include fines, additional suspension time, and even jail time in some cases.

You can check your license status through the Arizona Department of Transportation or Motor Vehicle Division.

While there may be exceptions for emergencies, it's generally illegal to drive on a suspended license.

Contact a legal expert like Feldman Royle to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

The process varies depending on the reason for suspension, but generally involves resolving the underlying issues and applying for reinstatement through the state's Motor Vehicle Division.
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