05 Nov Driving on a Suspended License in Phoenix Can Haunt You
Driving on a Suspended License (DOSL) in Phoenix is a criminal offense, and it’s one that has potentially serious and lasting consequences. If you drive with a suspended license, you risk having your vehicle impounded and you may face jail time, a fine, and additional penalties against your driving privileges.
Drivers License Suspension in Arizona
When a license has been suspended, the Arizona Department of Transportation will mail a suspension notice to the driver’s last known address along with instructions on when and how a license can be reinstated. After the suspension period has been completed, driving privileges will remain suspended until the application for reinstatement has been approved.
In Arizona, a driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons, including:
- Habitual offender status (frequent and serious traffic offenses)
- Reckless driving conviction
- Failure to appear in court
- Unpaid fines
- Refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or chemical test after a lawful arrest
- DUI conviction involving alcohol or drugs
- Criminal convictions
- Delinquent child support
- Driving with no insurance
- Providing false statements to the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD)
Arizona aso uses a license point system. If a driver has more than 8 points assessed against their license in a 12-month period (for civil or criminal tickets), their license can be automatically suspended or revoked.
Consequences for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
Driving on a suspended license is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries consequences of up to 6 months jail time and a $2,500 fine. Following a conviction, the MVD can suspend a driver’s license for additional months or even years. Plus, traffic points stay on the driver’s record for an additional 12 months after their license is reinstated.
There are other serious consequences as well. A criminal conviction will show up on a background check, which could cause:
- Disqualification from future job opportunities
- Loss of professional licenses
- Loss security clearances
Commercial drivers who have been convicted of DOSL can face professional consequences such as the suspension or revocation of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Employers could take action such as on-the-job probation or even termination. Employees are likely to be left without any recourse if maintaining a commercial driver’s license is a condition of employment.
Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix
If you are facing criminal license charges for driving on a suspended license, remember that a DOSL is not a strict liability crime. There can be mitigating factors, and the prosecutor must prove criminal intent and present evidence that you knew your license was suspended. A defense lawyer in Phoenix can help you and get you back to living the good life.
Todd Coolidge is a proven criminal law specialist with more than 25 years of experience in Arizona courtrooms. Throughout his career, he has represented clients charged with various crimes, including criminal license charges. If you are looking for an expert attorney in Phoenix, contact the Law Offices of Todd Coolidge today.
Photo by Caleb Whiting on Unsplash (11/4/2021)