Driving with a Revoked License

What happens if you get caught driving without a license? If you’ve been charged with driving with a revoked license in NC (DWLR), you may be facing harsh penalties such as fines, points on your license, jail time, and even an additional driving license revocation. Not only will these consequences affect your ability to get to work or school, they can raise your insurance rates. It can take years to undo that damage.

If you successfully challenge your charges with the help of a competent lawyer, however, you can maintain your current car insurance rates and avoid further difficulties getting yourself back on the road. The traffic violation lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran are prepared to help you fight your charges. Work with us, and you get effective legal counsel from lawyers you can trust.

What are the reasons for revoking a driving license?

You can end up driving with a revoked license for a wide range of offenses and convictions, including:

Accumulation of a certain number of points for a certain number of traffic offenses on your driving license within a 3-year period
Conviction of illegally transporting alcoholic beverages
Conviction of driving over a certain speed, earning a certain number of speeding tickets and reckless or aggressive driving
Refusing a chemical DWI test
Conviction of DWI
Conviction of manslaughter or negligent homicide (if it was the result of your driving)
Conviction of failing to stop after a crash
2 convictions for reckless driving or 1 conviction each for reckless driving and aggressive driving within 12 months
A second or subsequent conviction for transporting an open container of alcohol
Certain offenses relating to explosives
A second or subsequent conviction of motor fuel theft
Failing to appear for a hearing or failing to pay fines or penalties for certain traffic offenses
Certain medical or health reasons

It’s not just a case, it’s your life.

After your period of revocation expires, you may have to pay fees before you can legally drive again. The restoration fee for many revocations is $50, and if your driving license was revoked for DWI, you may be required to pay $100.

You don’t have to pay a restoration fee if your driving license was revoked for medical or health reasons.

The traffic violation lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran fight to reduce the charges in your case, and will even seek out flaws in the prosecution’s case that could lead to dismissal of your charge. We will also help you get your driving license reinstated as quickly as possible.

What are the charges for driving with a revoked license?

Fines

Driving with a revoked license is a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina. If your case goes to court, the court will decide the amount of your fine, which can range from $500-$2,500.

Jail time

A jail sentence would depend on whether or not you have any previous convictions for driving with a revoked license. With no prior convictions for this charge, you could serve as little as one day in jail, or, with 1-4 prior convictions, up to 45 days in jail. Five or more previous convictions can carry a maximum of 120 days jail time, and your license may be revoked for an additional year or more.

Driving license suspension

For the first offense of driving with a revoked license, you can earn an additional license suspension. For the second offense, you can earn a two-year suspension. After a third offense, your license can be permanently revoked.

Seizure of your vehicle

In certain circumstances, such as if you receive a second DWI charge while driving with a revoked license, your vehicle may be seized.

Driver clinic attendance

Attendance at a driver improvement clinic may be mandated by the court. You can attend a driver improvement clinic once every 5 years for a reduction of 3 points on your driving license.

Insurance premium increase

While this is not a penalty mandated by the courts, a conviction for driving with a revoked license in NC will likely cause your insurance premiums to rise, and may even lead to a cancellation of your policy.

How can a traffic violation lawyer help your case?

An experienced traffic violation lawyer knows the possibility of having your sentence reduced from a misdemeanor to a violation if certain conditions are met. He or she can petition to have your charge reduced depending on how many days after the revocation period the ticket was issued, and whether or not you are open to reinstatement of your driving license.

Unless you are in traffic court arguing traffic violations on a daily basis, you don’t have the knowledge that a seasoned traffic violation lawyer will have regarding prosecutors, judges, and the rules concerning your charge.

It’s time to speak with a lawyer

Driving is privilege, and it’s one you want to keep. Choosing the right traffic violation lawyer can make a real difference in the outcome of your case, the time it takes to resolve your case, and your overall experience.

The traffic violation lawyers at Wilson, Reives & Doran are here to provide you with trusted, effective and experienced legal counsel. We’re ready to fight for you to receive the most favorable outcome in your case, so you can move forward on the road.

Call (919) 775-5653 or contact us and set up a consultation to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your case.