What Are the Consequences for Driving with a Suspended License?

To drive in South Carolina – and every other state in the nation – you need a driver’s license. If you’re pulled over and your license has been suspended, you can face the charge of driving under a suspended license, which comes with serious consequences of its own that vary according to the circumstances that apply. If this is the difficult situation you find yourself in, an experienced suspended license attorney is standing by to help.

Driver’s License Suspension

Your driver’s license can be suspended for any number of reasons that include each of the following:

• A Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol conviction, which generally relates to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above
• A second reckless driving offense
• At least 12 points on your driver’s license – for example, exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour translates to 6 points
• Arrearages on child support
• A hit and run conviction
• A charge for failing to stop for an emergency vehicle’s flashing blue lights
• Failure to pay a traffic ticket
• Street racing on a public road

The Consequences Faced

The consequences you’ll face for driving on a suspended license can be immense. Doing so is a criminal offense, which can mean serious fines and time spent behind bars. If your suspension is based on a DUI charge, the fines and penalties are enhanced. Consider the following common scenarios:

• First offense of driving with a suspended license, you can face fines of up to $300 and a jail sentence of up to 30 days.
• Second offense of driving with a suspended license, you can face fines of up to $600 and a jail sentence of up to 60 days.
• Third or subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license, you can face fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to 90 days – or home confinement of from 90 days to 6 months.
• First offense of driving with a suspended license that is based on DUI, you can face fines of up to $300 and will be required to spend a minimum of 10 days in jail, which can stretch to 30 days.
• Second offense of driving with a suspended license that is based on DUI, you can face fines of up to $600 and will be required to spend a minimum of 60 days in jail, which can stretch to 6 months.
• Third or subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license that is based on DUI, you can face fines of up to $1,000 and will be required to spend a minimum of 6 months in jail, which can stretch to 3 years.

An Experienced Columbia Suspended License Attorney Can Help

Jonathan Harvey at the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey is an accomplished Columbia, SC, suspended license attorney with an impressive track record for obtaining advantageous resolutions for his valued clients, and he’s here for you, too. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 803-779-3363 today.