Driving on a suspended or revoked license revoked, driving with no insurance or without a license are serious driving offenses in Maryland, and all carry jail time, as well as a mandatory court appearance. It’s important to understand the charges against you, the penalties you may face, and the benefits of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC to make sure your rights are protected and you don’t add points to your driving record.
Reasons for a Suspended or Revoked License in Maryland
A driver’s license can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, each carrying its own reinstatement requirements and suspension timeline. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) oversees all licensing actions and enforcement.
If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, or driving without insurance or a license, contact our experienced traffic violation lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC 24/7 by calling us at (301) 720-1309 or filling out our online form. During your consultation we will review the facts and evidence, including:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of your arrest record.
- Review your charges and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and any legal issues that may affect the evidence.
- Explain potential penalties, including fines, probation, jail or prison time, and collateral consequences.
- Go over potential defenses and legal arguments for your case.
- Assessment of the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence.
- Explain what the next steps are.
DUI or DWI Conviction
A DUI or DWI conviction in Maryland adds 12 and 8 points to your driving record, respectively. Either charge means your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. You may also lose your driving privileges immediately after an arrest if you fail or refuse a chemical breath or blood test under Maryland’s implied consent law.
Too Many Points on Your Maryland Driving Record
Most moving violations add points to your driving record, and the Maryland MVA uses a tiered point system to determine when to issue warnings, require driver improvement programs, or suspend or revoke a driver’s license. The Maryland MVA follows a tiered point system to determine when warnings, driver improvement requirements, license suspensions, and revocations are appropriate. Here are what the points mean.
- 3–4 points⎯You’ll likely receive a warning letter.
- 5–7 points⎯You may be required to complete a Driver Improvement Program (DIP). However, completing the program does not remove existing points from your driving record.
- 8–11 points⎯Your driver’s license will be suspended.
- 12 or more points⎯Your driver’s license will be revoked.
Unpaid Tickets
Not paying a ticket (e.g., speeding, red-light camera citations, seat belt violations, unsafe lane changes, etc.), can lead to a license suspension.
Driving Without Valid Insurance
Driving without the required auto insurance coverage in Maryland is a misdemeanor, and can include fines, license suspension, and other penalties. Maryland law requires vehicle owners to maintain minimum auto insurance coverage of $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage.
Failure to Appear in Court for a Traffic-Related Offense
If you fail to appear in court for a traffic-related offense, the Maryland District Court may notify the MVA, and they may impose penalties that affect your driving privileges.
Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Maryland can have serious consequences. The penalties depend on the reason for the suspension or revocation and the circumstances of the offense. A conviction can also add points to your driving record and make reinstating your license difficult.
Failure to Pay Court Ordered Child Support
Failing to pay court-ordered child support can put your Maryland driver’s license at risk. If you become significantly behind on your payments, the Child Support Administration could notify the MVA, and they can suspend your driving privileges. Before a suspension is imposed, you’ll usually receive notice and have an opportunity to resolve the issue or take steps to become compliant.
What Are the Penalties Of Driving On A Suspended or Revoked License in Maryland?
Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Maryland, and consequences depend on the reason for the suspension or revocation, and the circumstances of the violation. Penalties can include:
- Fines imposed by the court.
- Jail time.
- The MVA may impose additional restrictions or require further steps before your driving privileges can be restored.
- A conviction can affect your driving history and future license status.
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License: How Our Maryland Defense Attorneys Can Help
If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license in Maryland, don’t take on the court by yourself. It’s important to hire an experienced attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC who understands the law, the courts, and how to build a strong defense for your case. A good defense could reduce your penalties, protect your record, or even get the charge dismissed. If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, call our attorneys 24/7 at (301) 720-1309 today for a free case consultation to discuss your options and start building your defense.
We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County and all of Maryland.
We’re here to help you fight the charges.
FAQs
How long do points stay on your license in Maryland?
In Maryland, points stay on your driving record for two years from the date of the violation.
How do you check points on your license in Maryland?
Drivers can check their license points by requesting a copy of your driving record through the Maryland MVA.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license in Maryland?
Driving with a suspended license in Maryland is a criminal offense, and carries jail time, as well as a mandatory court appearance.
What happens if you drive with a revoked license in Maryland?
Driving with a revoked license in Maryland is a criminal offense. A revocation is more serious than a suspension because it means the MVA has permanently withdrawn your driving privilege until you complete the required steps for reinstatement.
Can my license suspension or revocation be extended if I am caught driving?
A new driving conviction can add additional consequences that can make it more difficult to reinstate your driving privileges.
What is the difference between a suspended license and a revoked license in Maryland?
A suspended license means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away and may be restored after meeting certain requirements. A revoked license means your driving privileges have been terminated, and you generally must take additional steps before you can legally drive again.
Do I need an attorney for a suspended or revoked license charge in Maryland?
Because driving on a suspended or revoked license can result in criminal penalties and affect your future driving privileges, contacting our criminal defense attorneys is important so we can explain your options and possible defenses.