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At Springfield Traffic Tickets, we often get calls from people who tell us that their driver’s license has been suspended. That can mean a lot of different things. When someone comes to us for help with their driver’s license, they are often asking for a very unique type of help; depending on what exactly the problem is with their license.
Many drivers do not understand the differences between a suspended, an invalid and a revoked license. In some cases, a license can be reinstated by following a series of steps. Here’s what you need to know about suspended, invalid and revoked driver’s licenses in Missouri.
A SUSPENDED OR REVOKED LICENSE
There are a number of reasons that Missouri may suspend your driver’s license. A traffic violation lawyer can tell you that too many points on your driver’s license can result in a license suspension. Drunk driving and reckless driving also result in a license suspension. You can even lose your license if you’re too far behind on your child support.
Operating a vehicle while your operator’s license is suspended or revoked is a violation of Missouri Revised Statutes 302.321. Driving a vehicle with a suspended, revoked or invalid license is a class D misdemeanor. All the state has to prove is that you were at least negligent of knowing that your license was suspended when you drove.
Upon your second offense, driving while suspended, is considered a class A misdemeanor. Offenses can go as far as being considered a felony charge after too many. Repeated offenders can even face mandatory jail and community service. Be sure to evaluate any charges you’re facing with a traffic ticket attorney.
INVALID LICENSE OR NO LICENSE
Another Missouri traffic offense is driving without a valid license. It’s a violation of Missouri law 302.020. Penalties for driving with an invalid license are generally the same for driving without a license at all. As they are for driving on a revoked license. In addition to criminal penalties, you also face added points on your license. These points increase if you face second or subsequent convictions for driving on a suspended license.
If you have a license, you need to be able to present it to law enforcement. Without proof, it’s considered an infraction. But the state often agrees to dismiss it if you can show an officer later that you have a valid license.
It’s also illegal to drive a vehicle in Missouri without valid vehicle insurance. If you have contact with law enforcement, you must be able to show proof that you have insurance.
A license suspended is not hard to obtain. Drunk driving would be another example of how to receive a suspension. These suspensions are automatic, and the court doesn’t have the option to waive the suspension. In Missouri, a typical suspension for a first drunk driving conviction is ninety days.
You can also face a license suspension for a minor in possession conviction. A first conviction results in a thirty-day suspension. A second offense brings a ninety-day suspension, and a third offense revokes a license for one year. Although an MIP might seem like it’s just a traffic ticket, it’s a very serious offense.
LICENSE REVOCATION FOR REFUSING A CHEMICAL TEST
If you refused to take the chemical test during a drunk driving investigation, you can also face an administrative revocation. In this event, you lose your license for one year. If you’re facing a drunk driving charge or an administrative revocation, it’s important to work with a traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. You have a very limited window to appeal an administrative revocation, and finding your traffic lawyer near me can help you get your appeal in before time runs out.
REPEAT OFFENDER REVOCATIONS
Repeated drunk-driving offenses can cause one’s license to be be revoked. The State of Missouri believes that repeated drunk drivers pose a danger to others on the road. For a second DWI, the revocation period is typically one year. Say your second DWI falls within five years of your first DWI, you can lose your license for five years. If you commit a third DWI, you can expect to lose your license for at least ten years.
Now if you’re facing a revocation for repeated offenses, a traffic ticket attorney can help you begin the process to reinstate your license. But if your license is revoked because of multiple drunk driving offenses, it’s up to you to prove to the State of Missouri that you’re fit to drive a vehicle. There is a very technical process to proving your case, and the traffic violation lawyer team at Springfield Traffic Tickets specializes in helping people through this challenging process.
You likely have to retake a driver’s skills test, maintain insurance and pass a substance abuse offenders course. You may have to keep an ignition interlock system in your vehicle. In some cases, our team may be able to help you obtain a restricted license. A restricted license allows you to drive only for certain purposes such as to work or to substance abuse counseling.
A LITTLE PROBLEM CAN BECOME A BIG PROBLEM
At Springfield Traffic Tickets, we often meet people whose little traffic issues have spiraled out of control. Too many times, one traffic ticket can become a few traffic tickets, and then a suspended license can become a criminal charge. It’s important that you find the traffic lawyer near me to help you no matter what your situation might be.
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CONTACT US TODAY
Your attorney can help you address a little problem before it becomes a big problem. If you’re facing any kind of traffic ticket or licensing issue, we invite you to contact our team at Springfield Traffic Tickets. There’s no problem too large or small. We look forward to helping you.