Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Tacoma, WA?

Fighting to Protect Your Rights and Driving Privileges

Driving on a suspended license can result in jail time, steep fines, and an extension of your current suspension. Depending on the facts involved, driving while license suspended (DWLS) charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Even a third-degree DWLS can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine. Often, other offenses, including reckless driving or DUI, are related to not having a valid Washington driver’s license, which can lead to further charges.

Contact South Sound Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about our legal services. A qualified legal team member will happily meet with you to assess your case and determine available legal options.

Why Can a Driver’s License Be Suspended in Washington State?

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) can suspend a driver’s license for several reasons. It is essential to remember that even a first offense of driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can result in severe penalties.

Traffic Violations

The most common reason a person’s driver’s license is suspended usually stems from a traffic infraction. In many instances, drivers have their licenses suspended or revoked due to DUIs or reckless driving charges. A driver’s license may also be suspended or revoked if an individual is found at fault but did not have insurance at the time of the accident. Other reasons include unresolved traffic tickets or accumulating three speeding tickets within 12 months, or four within 24 months.

Failure to Appear in Court

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) can no longer suspend driver’s licenses due to unpaid non-criminal traffic tickets. However, your license can be suspended for failure to appear at a court hearing.

Criminal Offenses

Washington State law makes it illegal for a person to drive while their license is suspended or revoked. If caught operating a motor vehicle, a driver can face criminal charges. Other criminal offenses include fleeing to elude pursuing police vehicles, theft of motor vehicle, hit-and-run, or being labeled a habitual traffic offender.

Regardless of the reason your license was suspended, you must take proactive steps to avoid severe criminal penalties.

What are the Possible Charges a Person Can Face for Driving with a Suspended License?

Anyone charged with operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license can face significant penalties that increase with subsequent convictions. Charges are based on the original reason a person’s license was suspended and their driving record.

Third Degree DWLS

A person is generally charged with third-degree driving while license suspended (DWLS) for failure to appear in court, unpaid traffic fines, or failing to pay child support. A third-degree DWLS is charged as a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Second Degree DWLS

A person may be charged with a second-degree DWLS if they lost their license due to serious offenses such as DUI, hit and run, or reckless driving, and were not eligible to get a valid driver’s license. A second-degree DWLS is a gross misdemeanor punishable by  up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and an additional one year license suspension.

First Degree DWLS

First-degree DWLS is a serious offense that prosecutors typically pursue against Habitual Traffic offenders driving with a suspended license. A driver will be considered a habitual offender if they have accumulated 20 moving violations within five years or three serious traffic offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide. A first-degree DWLS conviction is punishable by up to one year of jail time and a $5,000 fine. Subsequent convictions can result in increased penalties, including mandatory jail time.

Who Can Qualify for an Occupational Driver’s License?

The Washington State Department of Licensing allows individuals who have had their driver’s licenses suspended to obtain an occupational license, which permits them to drive to work, school, for community service, to doctor appointments, or for childcare responsibilities.

To qualify, a person must hold a valid Washington State driver’s license or a valid out-of-state driver’s license. Although many individuals may qualify for an occupational license, several issues disqualify them from obtaining an occupational restricted license. Anyone who has been convicted of vehicular homicide or vehicular assault in the past seven years or those who currently have a suspended license for DUI or Minor in Possession are disqualified. Those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are prohibited from driving a commercial vehicle with a restricted license.

Other disqualifiers include failure to pay child support or a prior violation of the terms of a restricted license. Individuals under 18 who have suspended intermediate driver’s licenses are also prohibited from obtaining an occupational license.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer if I Have Been Caught Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License?

You must seek legal representation if you have been charged with a crime. Your lawyer will act as your advocate and work to resolve your legal issues efficiently, allowing you to move forward with your life. An attorney will help you understand your criminal penalties and support you as your case progresses through the legal system.

A lawyer’s first action is reviewing the state’s case against you to determine what legal strategies will benefit you. Defense strategies will differ significantly between individuals facing a first conviction and those facing a third or subsequent conviction.

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a lawyer is that they will negotiate with the prosecutor to try to dismiss or reduce the charges. For example, a skilled lawyer may be able to convince the prosecution to drop a reckless driving charge to a reckless endangerment charge, which does not result in a driver’s license suspension. Alternatively, depending on the facts of the case, your attorney may be able to persuade the state to allow you to participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program or perform community service. A highly trained defense lawyer can also assist you in obtaining a restricted or ignition interlock license.

What Makes Your Tacoma Law Firm the Right Choice to Help Me With My Driver’s License Suspension Issues?

Driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in jail time and other severe legal penalties, making life even more challenging. South Sound Law Group is a Tacoma law firm with comprehensive experience in helping clients navigate their legal issues and avoid jail time or steep fines. Considering the facts of the case, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to try and obtain a result that protects your driving privilege and avoids additional suspensions.

When you hire us to help you with your legal needs, we will professionally evaluate your case and craft custom defense strategies that will provide the best possible outcome. Our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients charged with driving with a suspended license and know what it takes to achieve successful outcomes.

Contact South Sound Law Group today at 253-465-2722 to schedule a free initial consultation during which we can discuss your legal options.