In North Carolina, driving is a privilege, not a right. As such, there are many ways you can lose the privilege (via driver’s license suspension.) Many people fail to see the benefit of hiring a traffic lawyer, because they follow the mistaken belief that a traffic citation is not important enough to seek legal representation.
The following is a summary of different ways that your NC driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Rather, it will provide some guidance so that if you choose to talk to a traffic lawyer, you can explain your situation.
Accumulating a certain number of driver’s license points.
Any time a driver pleads responsible to a traffic citation that is a moving violation, driver’s license points in North Carolina are assessed. This is one of the reasons that it is important to consult a traffic lawyer if you find yourself charge with a traffic violation in North Carolina.
Suspensions for License Points
- If you accumulate 12 license points on your driving record in the span on three years OR
- If you accumulate 8 license points in the span of 3 years following a license reinstatement
Certain Driving offenses
If you plead responsible to certain driving offenses, your license will automatically be suspended. If you are charged with one of these offenses it is in your best interest to contact a traffic lawyer right away.
Examples of offenses that lead to suspension of your driver’s license:
- If you plead responsible to a moving violation while your license was suspended (you get an additional suspension)
- A conviction of speeding and reckless driving on the same occasion
Conviction of certain crimes
Finally, conviction of certain crimes will lead to driver’s license suspension. If you are charged with certain offenses you should immediately consult a traffic lawyer or a criminal defense lawyer.
Examples of criminal convictions that lead to driver’s license suspension
- Transporting illegal liquor for sale
- Hit and Run that that causes serious injury or death
- Speeding to elude arrest
- Driving while impaired
Driver’s license suspension can cause a mass amount of stress and inconvenience, but a traffic lawyer can help you navigate through the process. A traffic lawyer may be able to help you avoid having your driver’s license suspended, or can help you understand your options if you driver’s license has already been suspended.