Norfolk Unlicensed Driving Lawyer
Unlicensed driving in Norfolk means that somebody is driving without a valid driver’s license. These charges can be very serious and there is a possibility of being punished with jail time depending on the driver’s previous record. It’s important to have a Norfolk traffic attorney to help guide a person through the court system and help figure out what to do to prevent harsh consequences.
Unlicensed Driving Charges
A first offense of an unlicensed driving charge in Norfolk, Virginia is a Class 2 misdemeanor and second or subsequent offenses are charged as Class 1 Misdemeanors. Someone may be charged with driving unlicensed if they do not have a license at all, which often is the case for a lot of immigrants. People are also charged commonly when they do not have their license on them at the time they are pulled over. These cases generally have an easy fix when they go to court and and present their valid driver’s license.
Penalties for Unlicensed Driving
Driving without a valid license in Norfolk is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or an up to $1,000.00 fine and up to a 90-day license suspension. A second violation or subsequent violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to $2,500.00 in fines and up to a 90-license suspension. There are also three DMV demerit points and the conviction stays in a person’s DMV record for three years.
What to Expect in Court
They can expect that first offenses are not going to be taken as seriously by the judges. If someone has a valid license when they appear in court, even if they did not have it at the time of the incident, often times the judges will be very lenient on an individual and will dismiss the charge. They can expect that for subsequent offenses, however, the judges will be less understanding and that there is a good probability that a conviction could result in some jail time.
Usually, the time imposed is not very long and it is never anywhere near the maximum unless someone has a poor history, but it is still something that is easily avoided and the defendant should prepare for by hiring a good Norfolk unlicensed driving attorney.
Mitigating Long Term Consequences
Long term consequences of driving while suspended convictions include a criminal record and demerit points on the DMV record. It can also cause drivers to have an extended period of time where they are not allowed to drive. Each conviction will add more time, and continuing to violate this law can create a cycle of consequences that an attorney can help an individual break.
A Norfolk unlicensed driving attorney who has experience in the local court system can help someone get their license back quickly with as minimal consequences as possible. An experienced lawyer will know the local judges and officers and therefore will be able to build and tailor a defense to your specific case based on their own previous experiences.