LAUDERDALE LANG

Driving On a Suspended License
Driving on a suspended license is a serious offense in Maryland. Although there are a multitude of statutory sections that criminalize driving on a suspended license, typically, the police officer will charge the Defendant with violating Transportation Article 16-303(c). (This statutory section is often referred to as “The C” by police officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and Judges). Violating 16-303(c) carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. In addition, it can carry 12 points on your driver’s license. If you are found guilty, the judge has discretion as to how to sentence you so long as it is within the maximum sentence. Some judges in Maryland have been known to impose a jail sentence for driving on a suspended license even for a first offense. Moreover, a finding of guilt also results in 12 points being assessed to your driver’s license. A judge can strike the points by granting you probation before judgment, but that is in the discretion of the judge.
Fortunately, if you are cited for driving on a suspended license, there are ways to improve your chances in Court. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there are legal defenses through which you could be found not guilty. Even if no legal defenses are available in your case, there are steps that can be taken to convince the State’s Attorney (i.e. the prosecutor) to drop the case against you or to convince the judge to not impose a jail sentence and to grant you probation before judgment (i.e. strike the points from your license).
Therefore, if you have been cited for cited for driving on a suspended license, it is imperative that you have experienced, dedicated and skilled legal representation. Collectively, the attorneys at Lauderdale, Thompson and Warby have abundant experience handling driving on a suspended license cases, as well as traffic cases in general, throughout the State of Maryland. Please contact us for a free consultation at 301-880-9140 or questions@ltwlegal.com. We are more than happy to assist you with your driving on a suspended license case.
The Role of Auto Insurance
Fortunately, most people do not pay all of the damages stemming from a collision out of pocket. Automobile insurance may pay to repair at least some of the damages or replacement cost for all or some of the vehicles involved, and may pay for some medical expenses as well. Insurance companies may also pay for an attorney, if necessary, although clients do not usually get to choose their own attorney. State laws vary widely on the extent and types of insurance required to drive a vehicle.


SUSPENDED LICENSE
Notice of a Suspended Driver's License
Prior to any suspension, a note will usually be sent by a traffic court informing the driver of their suspension and if they have any options to avoid the suspension. After the license has been suspended, the driver will receive notice from the state that their driving privileges have been temporarily revoked.
Suspension notices will usually contain the following:
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Effective date of suspension
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List of offenses that led to the suspension (including date, case number, etc.)
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Name, address, driver's license number, and other identifying data
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Official statement that license has been suspended
Termination date of suspension