What Happens if You Drive with a Suspended or Revoked License in South Carolina?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. The penalties are steep, usually involving time in jail, expensive fines, and having your license permanently revoked.
To successfully defend your rights, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina. Barboza Law has extensive experience representing motorists accused of driving with a suspended or revoked license.
What Happens if I Get Caught Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License in Lancaster, SC?
If you get caught driving on a suspended or revoked license, the penalties can range from a fine to time in jail. The severity of the consequences largely depends on the reasons your license was suspended or revoked.
Under South Carolina law, a first-time offense of driving on a suspended license involves a fine and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense of driving on a suspended license may land you in jail for up to 60 days. A third conviction involves up to 90 days in jail. However, a second and third offense carries different penalties if the suspension is alcohol or drug-related.
For example, suppose your license was suspended or revoked after a DUI conviction in Lancaster, SC. If you are caught driving without a valid license a second time, the penalties can jump to 180 days in jail. A third offense carries a minimum jail sentence of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years.
Can I Drive After My Suspension Period is Over in Indian Land, SC?
When your suspension period is over, you must get your license reinstated before you can legally drive again. Regaining your license may not be as simple as a trip to the local DMV. Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to do one or more of the following:
- Pay a reinstatement fine
- Show proof of SR-22 insurance
- Pay off unpaid traffic tickets
- Bring child support payments up-to-date
- Enroll in an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program (ADSAP)
- Resolve traffic offenses in other states
To find out what steps you need to take to have your South Carolina driver’s license reinstated, contact your local DMV office.
How Can a South Carolina Defense Attorney Help if My License Has Been Suspended?
There may be a way for you to drive if your license has been suspended. While traffic and criminal offenses vary, a common reason why a license is suspended or revoked is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drivers with suspended licenses may qualify for one of the following options:
- Having an ignition interlock device system installed for a set period of time
- Obtaining a provisional license
- Being granted a route-restricted license
A DUI defense attorney in Indian Land and Lancaster, SC can evaluate the unique circumstances of your case to determine if you qualify for one of the above options. The success of your case depends heavily on how soon you are able to retain a South Carolina criminal defense lawyer.
What Can I Do if My Driver’s License Has Been Revoked?
If your driver’s license has been revoked, your options are more limited. However, an experienced attorney may be able to have your license reinstated.
In some cases, a person may be able to reinstate their driver’s license after their revocation period is over. However, if your license was permanently revoked, you will need a court release. At Barboza Law, our criminal defense attorney can help you fight to reinstate your license through the court system.
Contact Barboza Law for an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Lancaster County, SC
Having your driver’s license suspended is an extreme penalty that can disrupt your personal and professional life. It can be tempting to take a chance and drive to work or the grocery store. However, the risk can result in severe penalties.
If you have been accused of driving on a suspended or revoked license, speak to a skilled Lancaster County criminal defense lawyer today. At Barboza Law, we can discuss the best defense strategies to keep you out of jail and the various options available to you to continue driving. Schedule a consultation today at (803) 973-6003.
