If you face legal trouble for violating traffic laws, your license may be suspended or revoked. Though your driving privileges would be taken away in both situations, the two consequences differ. Anyone in this scenario should consult with a criminal defense attorney about their options. In the meantime, here is a brief guide to the topic. 

Suspended vs. Revoked Licenses 

When a license is suspended, a person’s driving privileges are temporarily taken away for a specified length of time. Afterward, their license may be automatically reinstated or restored once they fulfill any outstanding obligations, such as paying fees. In contrast, if revoked, the license is canceled and not eligible for reinstatement. To obtain one, individuals must satisfy the revocation terms and then request approval from the DMV and go through the state’s process from start to finish.

Penalties for Driving During Either Consequence

Penalties are assessed differently for suspensions and revocations if a person drives without a license. They are typically civil for the former and criminal for the latter. Further, the consequences are more severe if the revocation was due to a DWI conviction, resulting in a Class 1 misdemeanor charge, which carries a discretionary fine and up to 45 days in jail for first-time offenders. The court will also add another year to the original revocation time and may order a 90-day alcohol monitoring system as part of the probation terms. Anyone facing these penalties will need a criminal defense attorney to advocate on their behalf. 

Having your license suspended or revoked is serious, regardless of the reason why it happened, so seek legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney if you’re facing traffic-related charges. The professionals at the Bates Law Firm PLLC work diligently to help residents throughout the North Carolina counties of Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union avoid losing their driving privileges. They will provide aggressive representation to increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Call (704) 694-0195 to discuss your case with a skilled criminal defense attorney, or visit them online to learn more about their expertise.