In Oregon, driving with a suspended driver’s license is a serious offense that can result in large fines, jail time, and/or prison. If you are arrested for driving while suspended, or any other reason, you should consult with a criminal law firm and get in contact with a criminal defense attorney right away.
A suspended license can seriously disrupt a person’s life, making it difficult to get to work, manage social relationships, go grocery shopping, or even take your kids to school. Sometimes, the temptation to get back behind the wheel is too strong, that’s why it’s important for all Oregon drivers to know how to avoid getting suspended. Here are some convictions that could lead to the suspension or revocation of your license:
- Some drug and alcohol charges will lead to a driver’s license suspension.
- Criminal mischief involving your vehicle.
- If you steal gas from another vehicle or gas station.
- Leaving the scene of an accident.
- Driving recklessly, as well as many other serious crimes involving your vehicle.
In many cases, a class A traffic violation will be issued to the offending driver. Although these violations can get quite pricey, as the maximum fine for a class A violation is $720, there is no possibility of jail time for this type of violation, or any other violation for that matter.
There are two other circumstances, however, that are far worse than a violation: these are misdemeanor driving while suspended and felony driving while suspended.
Misdemeanor Charges
If you were driving and caught doing any of the following, then you may be charged with a crime that could result in a license suspension.
- If you were driving recklessly, charged with menacing, or criminal mischief involving a motor vehicle.
- If you made any false statements to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- If you fled the scene or evaded police.
- If you are a habitual traffic offender.
As far as class A misdemeanor charges are concerned, the maximum penalty is up to one year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $6,250.
Felony Charges
For much more serious crimes, defendants can face a felony conviction that could involve up to 10 years in prison (this is subject to Oregon’s sentencing guidelines). You may be convicted of a Class B felony if your license was suspended or revoked due to certain circumstances, for example:
- If, as a result of your driving, you were convicted of criminally negligent homicide, assault II or III, manslaughter, or murder.
- In extreme circumstances, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in felony DUII charges. In Oregon, the state prohibits the operation of an automobile by a driver with a 0.08% or more blood alcohol content (BAC). A driving while suspended in this circumstance can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on your particular circumstances.
Make sure to consult with a DUII attorney or any other experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re involved in any of these situations. The stigma associated with a criminal conviction is high, and so are the legal consequences. Without legal representation, a suspended driver’s license might soon be the least of your problems.
The most important thing you can do as a driver in Oregon is to actually abide by the rules and laws of the road. Of course, mistakes happen, so if you are in legal trouble, you should always contact an experienced criminal defense attorney near you as soon as possible.
It should also be noted that everyone’s situation is different, laws change, and every court has different practices. Further, criminal law is extremely complicated and is consistently evolving. For help with any legal problem, someone should always consult with an experienced attorney.