available 24/7
(480) 248-7666
When a local court in Arizona suspends a resident’s driving privileges for violating state traffic laws, it is serious about keeping that driver off of the road. The respective motorist faces a much greater level of punishment if they disregard the suspension and continue driving while their license is suspended. Arizona law says that driving on a suspended license is a crime punishable by a lengthy jail sentence and thousands of dollars in fines.
Arizona considers driving with a suspended license to be a class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction could be punished by up to 180 days in jail, $2,500 in fines plus surcharges, and three years of probation. Total costs likely would be much higher, and up to six months in jail almost certainly means losing a job. If you have a mortgage and possibly a car loan, those could wind up defaulted and repossessed.
Jail time mostly is reserved for habitual offenders who continually are caught driving with a suspended license and those whose initial offense was especially bad. Someone who lost his or her driving privileges due to drinking and driving likely would see significant jail time if caught drinking and driving while driving privileges are suspended for the same offense.
Just because someone is found driving while a license is suspended does not mean that person is automatically guilty. Several potential defenses could thwart a conviction, including not receiving notice from the state. That is especially possible as many state agencies are overwhelmed with work due to pandemic-related issues.
If the state cannot show it provided sufficient notice of a license suspension, it cannot punish a motorist for continuing to drive. The state has to show that a motorist knew their license was suspended and that that person intentionally disregarded the suspension when caught. The state cannot punish a driver who is legitimately ignorant of a license suspension.
Driving is a privilege in every state, including Arizona. When the state revokes the privilege and motorists are caught driving anyway, an experienced criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale could help to prevent a jail sentence and keep fines at reasonable levels. A skilled attorney even might help to preserve future driving privileges while presenting strong arguments addressing any charges accusing someone of driving with a suspended license.
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended license in Scottsdale, Arizona, please do not hesitate to contact Rosenstein Law Group today. The experienced attorneys at Rosenstein Law Group have years of experience defending those accused of criminal offenses and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our Scottsdale clients. Schedule your free consultation for your Scottsdale Driving on a Suspended License citation. You can reach our office by calling 480-248-7666 or contact us online by filling out the contact form here.