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Aggravated Unlicensed Operations: Driving with a Suspended License

Whether your license has been suspended because you’ve received numerous traffic tickets in a short period of time or because you have been convicted for a drug or alcohol related driving charge, you could be given an aggravated unlicensed operation charge if you’ve been driving with a suspended license. It’s important that you know what types of penalties occur with such charges as well as how a Nassau County traffic lawyer like ourselves can assist with your case. 

Consequences of Driving With a Suspended License 
When your license has been suspended or revoked altogether in the State of New York, you are unable to drive until the license has been reinstated. If ever you do and are charged with such a crime, the main consequences involve a fine of anywhere from $200-$500, plus applicable court and state surcharges as well as probation or jail time of up to 30 days. The main charge of aggravated unlicensed operation (VTL 511.1) is considered to be a misdemeanor. However, there are several types of aggravated unlicensed operation that come with different penalties. 

While the aforementioned penalties occur when charged with a 3rd degree version of the crime (VTL 511.1), driving with three or more revocations or suspensions is referred to as 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation (VTL 511.2), which is still considered to be a misdemeanor. This charge comes with fines of at least $500 and probation or imprisonment that can last for as much as 180 days. Driving with at least 10 suspensions or revocations is a 1st degree aggravated unlicensed operation, which is a felony (VTL 511.3) that can include fines of anywhere from $500-$5,000 and probation or jail time of 1-4 years. Your vehicle may also be taken away. 

When to Contact a Defense Attorney 
You need to contact a Nassau County traffic attorney immediately after you’ve been pulled over for this crime. By contacting one of our attorneys early in the process, we’ll be able to take time to build a strong defense for you that could potentially lessen the charge or remove some of the penalties. 

Now that you know more about the consequences of driving with a suspended license, make sure that you contact our traffic lawyer in Nassau County so that we can review your case immediately.