Not having the ability to transport yourself can become frustrating. All too often you are tired of waiting on public transportation or for others to give you a lift to your destination.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license in Wagoner, Oklahoma, you may find yourself far more inconvenienced than relying on others for transportation.
Reasons for Suspension
The state of Oklahoma may suspend your driving privileges for several reasons.
Some offenses or crimes can result in automatic suspension; these include driving under the influence, lying on a DMV form, causing bodily harm to another person after failing to stop at a stop sign or light, or failing to pay for gas.
Several other offenses may also lead to suspension, although not automatically. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 6-205
Your Day in Court
No matter how straightforward the crime of driving with a suspended license may seem, the state prosecutor has the burden of proving that a defendant is guilty of this crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
In order to meet this burden, a prosecutor must first prove that the defendant drove a motor vehicle upon a public road, street, highway, turnpike, or other public place in Oklahoma.
A prosecutor must then provide evidence that show that the defendant’s license was suspended. This may be a DMV or police record.
Only once the prosecutor has provided evidence to prove both elements of this misdemeanor crime can someone be convicted of driving with a suspended license.
Punishment
Any person who committed a crime that resulted in automatic license suspension will face between $500 and $5,000, or jail time of up to one year.
For all others, a conviction will result in fines of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 6-303
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Criminal Defense Attorney
A charge of driving with a suspended license may seem harmless, but it can quickly become costly and serious.
For a low-cost consultation with a Wagoner motor vehicle attorney, call Wirth Law Office – Wagoner today at 918-485-0335.
Or, as always, you may enter a legal question in the form at the top right of this page.
