Driving While License Revoked
Driving While License Revoked in Charlotte, North Carolina
A driver’s license is something most people rely on every day. We often take this privilege for granted and fail to realize just how important it is until it is taken from us.
A criminal charge for driving on a suspended license (known as Driving While License Revoked, or “DWLR” under North Carolina law) is a misdemeanor criminal offense.
There are several reasons your North Carolina driver’s license may have been suspended/revoked:
- Accumulation of points on your driving record
- Fraudulent use of a license
- Excessive speeding
- Failure to Appear
- Child support delinquency
- Driving While Impaired
- Court sentences
- Failure to pay fines or court fees
- Hit and Run
It does not matter why the court suspended your license, and even if you maintain you are innocent of the original charge, you cannot drive on a revoked or suspended license without consequences.
A person who (1) drives (2) a motor vehicle (3) on a street or highway (4) while his or her license has been revoked by the State of North Carolina (5) knowing that his or her license is revoked commits a Class 3 misdemeanor. However, if the person’s license revoked for impaired driving, the person is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 120 days in jail.
PENALTIES
The potential sentence you face depends on whether you have had a prior conviction. Additionally, a DWLR conviction can result in an extension of the term of original suspension.
If it is your first DWLR, then you face an additional one year suspension. If it is your second DWLR, then you face an additional two years suspension. Finally, if it is your third or subsequent DWLR, then you may face a permanent revocation of your license.
With a DWLR conviction, not only will you face a longer license suspension and potential permanent revocation, but your auto insurance rates will increase when you are eligible to get your license re-instated.
We can help. Our goal is to defend your interests and your right to drive, as well as avoid any criminal record. If you have been charged with driving while license revoked in North Carolina, Call us today at 980-272-8438.
