Driving Under Suspended License Lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio

Charged With Driving Under Suspension? Our Cincinnati Defense Lawyers Can Help

The ability to drive is essential for work, school, family obligations, and everyday life. That’s why being charged with driving under suspension (DUS) in Ohio can feel devastating. Losing your license — and being criminally prosecuted for driving anyway — puts your freedom and future at serious risk.

At Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, our experienced Cincinnati traffic defense attorneys understand what’s at stake. If you’ve been charged with driving with a suspended license in Hamilton County or surrounding areas, we’re here to fight for you.

Call (513) 338-1890 or use our secure contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation today.

Driving With a Suspended License in Ohio (ORC 4510.11)

Driving with a suspended license is defined according to the Ohio Revised Code 4510.11 as any instance in which someone operates a motor vehicle on public roads, highways, or private property used for public travel while their driver’s license is suspended.

Common Reasons for License Suspensions in Cincinnati, OH

There are several reasons why your driver’s license might be suspended in Ohio. Every case is different based on the severity of the facts and circumstances involved. The following are examples of common reasons and explanations for why your driver’s license might be suspended:

• Accumulating too many points on your driving record
• Not passing a driving test
• Any kind of DUI / OVI conviction
• Neglecting to appear in court
• Failing to pay fines or fees
• Being convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, or manslaughter

If you are facing charges for driving with a suspended license, it is imperative that you immediately contact our criminal defense attorney near you. A driving with a suspended license charge can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, and you do not have to go through it alone.

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License in Ohio

If convicted of DUS in Ohio, you may be subject to:

• Up to 180 days in jail
• Fines up to $1,000
• Extended license suspension (up to 1 additional year)
• Points added to your driving record
• A permanent criminal record
• Mandatory BMV reinstatement fees

These penalties can be often reduced or avoided with skilled legal representation.

Vehicle Immobilization & Plate Impoundment for Driving With a Suspended License

Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, if this is your first driving with a suspended license offense, you may be subject to having your vehicle immobilized for 30 days and your license plates impounded for 30 days.

If you are facing your second conviction of driving with a suspended license, your vehicle will be immobilized for 60 days, and your license plates will be impounded for 60 days.

A third driving with a suspended license conviction will result in your vehicle being possessed by law enforcement.

How to Get Your License Reinstated in Ohio

Once your license suspension period has ended, you may be eligible for license reinstatement. However, it should be noted that once your license suspension has ended, your license will not automatically be reinstated.

The reinstatement process can be complex. Some of the requirements you may need to meet to get your license reinstated in Ohio include:

• Paying all suspension-related fines
• Completing a driver retraining or remedial driving course
• Passing a written, vision, or road test (if required)
• Providing proof of insurance (SR-22)
• Paying a reinstatement fee (usually $50 or more)
• Provide the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) with proof of valid auto insurance coverage

What to Do if You’re Caught Driving with a Suspended License in Ohio

If you have been pulled over while driving with a suspended license, you may have concerns about how your future will be affected. First and foremost, you must remain silent. Do not say anything if you are being arrested for driving with a suspended license. Anything you say will be used against you in court.

Once you are arrested and booked, you will remain in a Hamilton County jail cell while you wait for your initial hearing. At this time, you will have the opportunity to contact your criminal defense attorney. Once you reach out to your lawyer, we can review your bail options, discuss your arraignment plea, and figure out how best to approach your defense strategy.

How A Suspended License Attorney Can Help

When you have been accused of driving with a suspended license, the state may feel confident in its case against you. However, your attorney can carefully analyze the circumstances of your case to help protect your future. Some of our top responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing the police stop for constitutional rights violations
• Reviewing your case to determine whether police had probable cause for the stop
• Determining whether police mistakes or misconduct occurred in your stop
• Negotiating with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement or pre-trial diversion program
• Preparing a defense strategy to defend you in court

Although every case is different, you should obtain an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney who will fight vigorously for your legal rights and best interests as soon as possible. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your options regarding your potential sentence will be.

Our Cincinnati Criminal Defense team has successfully defended hundreds of individuals charged with driving with a suspended license. Their knowledge, experience, and compassion for your case will help you receive the justice you deserve.

Don’t Wait. Call a Cincinnati Driving Under Suspension Lawyer

Being charged with driving under suspension in Ohio is serious, but you don’t have to face it alone. The sooner you involve a knowledgeable traffic attorney, the more options you have for avoiding jail time, minimizing penalties, and getting back on the road legally.

Call(513) 338-1890to speak with a driving under suspension lawyer at Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP, or fill out our online contact form for your free and confidential case evaluation.

We’re ready to fight for you.