Getting caught driving on a suspended license in Arizona can have serious consequences. Even if it’s your first offense, being found guilty of this offense can result in steep fines, potential jail time, and an even longer suspension of your motor vehicle privileges.
If you find yourself facing charges for driving with a suspended license, Arja Shah Law is a reputable firm in Arizona with extensive experience in handling cases related to traffic offenses and motor vehicle violations. With a focus on providing personalized and aggressive legal representation, their team is dedicated to helping individuals handle the legal system.
Contact Arja Shah Law for a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Don’t face these charges alone – seek the guidance and support of a skilled attorney to protect your rights and defend your future.
This article will cover the following topics:
- How Your License Can Be Suspended in Arizona: Causes and Preventions
- What is a Restricted License in Arizona?
- What Happens if You Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License by the Police
- Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
- Steps to Reinstate Your Driving Privileges in Arizona
- How an Attorney Can Assist in Suspended License Cases
A study from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, focusing on New Jersey, found that out of over 7.6 million licensed drivers, 424,869 (5.5%) had a suspended license in 2018. This study highlighted that 91% of these suspensions were for non-driving-related reasons, such as failure to pay fines or fees. This data suggests that many drivers might face suspension for reasons other than traffic safety violations.
How Your License Can Be Suspended in Arizona: Causes and Preventions
In Arizona, the suspension of driving privileges isn’t limited to just driving-related violations.
Various circumstances, like failure to pay child support or certain legal and administrative infractions, can lead to a license suspension.
- DUI convictions: Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-1381, a DUI conviction can lead to automatic license suspension.
- Accumulation of points: Per §28-3306, accumulating too many points from traffic violations can result in suspension.
- Failure to appear in court or pay fines: Neglecting legal obligations can trigger suspension (§28-1601).
- Aggressive Driving: As outlined in §28-695, a conviction for aggressive driving can also result in suspension.
- Criminal Speeding: Defined in §28-701.02, criminal speeding (exceeding speed limits by a substantial amount) can lead to suspension.
- Non-Compliance with Child Support Payments: According to Arizona Revised Statutes §25-517, failure to comply with court-ordered child support can result in the suspension of a driver’s license.
- Insurance Violations: Driving without adequate auto insurance or failing to provide proof of insurance can lead to suspension.
Prevention primarily revolves around adhering to traffic laws and fulfilling legal obligations.
It’s important to regularly monitor your driving record and respond to any legal notices or court obligations as soon as possible. This can help you maintain your driving privileges and stay in compliance with Arizona’s driving laws.
What is a Restricted License in Arizona?
A restricted license in Arizona, often called a “limited” or “hardship” license, is a special type of driver’s license issued under specific conditions.It’s typically granted to individuals whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked due to certain offenses, like DUIs.
This license allows them to drive under limited circumstances, such as commuting to work, school, or court-ordered obligations.
Obtaining a restricted license in Arizona requires meeting specific criteria set forth by the Arizona Department of Transportation and Motor Vehicle Division.
These criteria include proving a genuine need for limited driving privileges, such as for employment or education, and demonstrating compliance with any court-ordered requirements. Additionally, applicants must adhere to the detailed rules and restrictions defined by the authorities,
What Happens if You Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License by the Police
Imagine this scenario: Jane is stopped by Arizona police for a broken tail light. Upon checking her details, the officer found that her license was suspended.
Jane now faces immediate legal repercussions. She could be arrested on the spot and charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, Arizona’s most serious misdemeanor level. This may result in hefty fines, potential jail time, and an extension of her license suspension period. Additionally, her vehicle could be subject to impoundment.
Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
In Arizona, driving on a suspended license is a serious offense; the penalties reflect this severity.
- Criminal Charges: As per Arizona Revised Statutes §28-3473, driving with a suspended license is typically classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious category of misdemeanor in Arizona.
- Fines and Fees: The fines for driving on a suspended license can be substantial. While the exact amount can vary based on individual case circumstances, they often range into hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Jail Time: Conviction can result in jail time. The duration of incarceration can vary, but for a Class 1 misdemeanor, it can be up to six months.
- Extended Suspension or Revocation: Being caught driving on a suspended license can lead to an extension of the suspension period or even revocation of the license. This can add significant time to the original suspension period.
- Vehicle Impoundment: In some cases, law enforcement has the authority to impound the vehicle that was used in the commission of driving on a suspended license.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Following a suspension, insurance premiums typically increase. This financial impact can be significant and long-lasting.
- Probation: Often, individuals may be placed on probation, requiring regular check-ins and compliance with specific conditions set by the court.
- Points on Driving Record: This offense also adds points to the individual’s driving record, which can impact insurance rates and future driving privileges.
- Employment Implications: For those whose jobs require driving, a suspended license can have significant professional implications, potentially leading to job loss.
- Impact on Future Reinstatement: Having a record of driving on a suspended license can complicate the process of future reinstatement, as it demonstrates non-compliance with legal directives.
Steps to Reinstate Your Driving Privileges in Arizona
Reinstating driving privileges requires fulfilling the suspension terms and addressing any underlying issues.
Key steps often include:
- Complete the Suspension Period: The first step is serving the entire duration of your suspension or revocation period as mandated by the court or MVD.
- Fulfill Court Requirements: If your suspension was due to a DUI or other court-related matter, you must comply with all court orders. This may include paying fines, completing community service, or attending traffic school or substance abuse counseling sessions.
- Settle All Fines and Fees: You’ll need to pay all outstanding fines and fees associated with your suspension. This includes not only the fines related to the original suspension but also any additional fees for reinstating your license.
- File an SR-22 Form (if required): In cases of DUI or serious violations, you might be required to file an SR-22 form. This form is proof of future financial responsibility and must be submitted by your insurance provider.
- Undergo a Medical or Vision Exam (if necessary): If your suspension was due to medical reasons, you might be required to undergo a medical or vision exam to prove your fitness to drive.
- Attend Traffic Survival School (TSS): For certain offenses, particularly DUI-related suspensions, you may be required to complete a Traffic Survival School course.
- Apply for Reinstatement: Once all requirements are fulfilled, you must formally apply for reinstatement with the MVD. This can typically be done online, in person, or by mail.
- Pass Written and Road Tests (if applicable): Depending on the reason for suspension and the length of time your license was suspended, you may need to retake the written knowledge and road skills tests.
- Pay Reinstatement Fee: A fee is usually required to reinstate your license. The amount can vary based on the reason for suspension.
- Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Post reinstatement, maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Accumulating points or committing further violations can lead to another suspension.
- Regular Monitoring of Your Driving Record: Stay informed about your driving record status through the MVD to avoid future issues.
Each step is important to the reinstatement process, and missing any step can delay or complicate the reinstatement of your driving privileges.
In complex cases or where the process seems overwhelming, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through each step and make sure all legal requirements are met efficiently.
How an Attorney Can Assist in Suspended License Cases
With extensive experience and a notable track record, Arja Shah has defended thousands of clients facing serious criminal charges, including those related to DUIs and driving on a suspended license. Her approach is tailored to each client, ensuring personalized service and a deep understanding of the stakes involved.
Not just versed in the law, Shah also provides support and guidance through challenging times, recognizing the impact of legal issues on her clients’ lives.
For expert legal assistance in suspended license cases, you can contact the Shah Law Firm at (602) 560-7408 They offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific situation and provide guidance on the best course of action.
