Driving While License Suspended

A person commits the crime of driving while license suspended if he or she drives a motor vehicle in this state while having a license that is suspended or revoked. There are numerous ways an individual can lose a driver's license - too many traffic violations, failure to maintain automobile liability insurance, failing or refusing an alcohol test requested by police, and being convicted of certain criminal offenses, including DWI (under certain circumstances), intoxication assault, intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid after an accident, and a violation of the Texas drug laws.

An individual who drives a motor vehicle during the period of such a license suspension commits the additional misdemeanor offense of driving while license suspended, or DWLS.

The State can revoke or suspend your privilege to drive for a vast number and variety of reasons, many having nothing to do with the operation of a vehicle. In DUI cases, it is extremely important that you get sound legal advice immediately, even before you request an administrative hearing. Danny Sheena has the specialized knowledge, skills and experience to represent clients in this complicated process.

Depending on your criminal history, there are several ways to keep this charge off your record.  Driving While License Suspended or Revoked “DWLSR” is perhaps the most common criminal traffic charge prosecuted in state court.  In Texas, a driver license can be suspended by a variety of reasons:

• Conviction for Drug Offense
• Conviction for Theft
• DUI suspension
• Failure to appear in court
• Failure to pay a judgment
• Failure to pay a ticket
• Failure to pay child support
• Habitual traffic offender “HTO”
• Point suspension

Your license suspension time periods vary depending on several factors. Refer to your "Notice of Suspension" for the one that applies to you.  If your license is suspended, and you have no prior alcohol-related license suspensions, you are eligible for an occupational driver's license. This does not grant you 24/7 driving privileges. By law, the Judge can only grant you between 4 and 12 hours of driving per day. If you have special or "essential needs" for other driving (such as Court ordered child visitation, etc.), the Judge may grant permission to drive other than to and from work.

Therefore, it is imperative that you take the charge seriously and hire a good criminal defense attorney to represent you. Call The Sheena Law Firm today to discuss your case.