Suspended License
Being able to drive is a privilege we often take for granted. Only when that privilege gets taken away do we realize just how much we depended on it. If you have been caught driving while your license was under suspension in Wisconsin, you could be facing serious consequences.
Judge’s take their orders very seriously, and expect you to as well. So, being caught in violation of a court ordered sanction (your suspension) is not taken lightly by the courts of Wisconsin. You are at risk of possible jail and and increase license suspension if you are found to be guilty.
Although your driving privileges are taken away, life carries on. When you lose your license to a suspension or revocation, you have to learn to depend on friends, family, and public transportation to get you places you used to be able to drive yourself. When you cannot find a ride you may miss work, important appointments, and other day to day necessities.
Maybe you thought you wouldn’t get caught if you took a drive even though your license was under suspension. Or maybe you didn’t know about the suspension. That can happen, with missed notifications due to a move, or other miscommunication.
In Wisconsin there are several reasons why your license may have been suspended or revoked. It could have been due to accumulated points, an OWI/DUI, or any number of things. Regardless of why it was suspended, the terms of the suspension are likely the same.
If you are caught driving on a suspended or revoked license, the criminal charges you will face depend on the specific circumstances of your offense.
Can I Fight a Wisconsin Driving on Suspended License Charge?
Yes, there are a number of possible defenses that can result in criminal charges being dropped. For instance, if we can successfully show that you had no knowledge of the suspension, you may only be required to pay a fine of $50- $200.
However, if you knew your license was suspended the fine could be much larger, up to $2,500.
Also important to consider is if you have had any previous driving under suspension charges. If this isn’t your first charge, you will be facing more serious consequences.
If you have faced a similar charge within the past 5 years, you will be looking at up to one year in jail and fines reaching $2,500. Likewise if your suspension was caused by a DUI you will also be facing this much harsher penalty.
Keep in mind that there is a good chance your suspension or revocation will be extended when you face charges like these.
Ref: Wisconsin Statute 343.44
Call Me for A Free Consultation on a WI Suspended License Offense
As you can see there is a lot we can do to defend you, but the possibilities get complicated very quickly. So call me to take advantage of my criminal consultation to find out exactly what I think I can do in your particular case.
A suspended license is the ultimate in inconveniences, but jail time is worse. If you are facing charges for driving on a suspended or revoked license in Wisconsin, you need experience on your side. Call for a consultation on your Wisconsin driver’s license suspension today.
Sincerely,
Attorney Mark Hersh