Drunk driving offenses are taken seriously in New York. If you’re convicted of a first-offense DUI, your driver’s license is suspended for at least six months. This can be a major inconvenience for those who require reliable transportation for their daily obligations. However, it’s never a good idea to attempt to drive while your license is suspended. This act is called driving under suspension, and the act comes with even more serious consequences if your license was suspended due to a DUI conviction. Continue reading this blog to find out about the possible penalties you can face for this crime, or reach out to Nassau County DUI Lawyer today for individualized legal counseling.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I’M CAUGHT DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION AFTER A DUI CONVICTION?
In New York, it’s a misdemeanor to drive with a suspended license. If your license was suspended for a drunk driving conviction, you will most likely be arrested if you’re caught driving under suspension. You can hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you fight your charges.
WHAT PENALTIES CAN I FACE?
The penalties you face for driving under suspension could potentially be more severe than the penalties you received for your DUI conviction. You face mandatory jail time between 7 to 180 days or probation. You’ll also be given a surcharge and mandatory fines of up to $1,000.
DOES NEW YORK OFFER HARDSHIP LICENSES?
Yes, New York offers hardship licenses, or conditional licenses, to drivers who’ve had their regular driver’s license suspended for a DUI charge. A hardship license essentially lets someone legally drive under suspension but only under specific conditions. For example, someone with a hardship license might only be allowed to drive to and from work, or they might only be allowed to drive during daylight hours.
You can only obtain a hardship license if you’re a first-time DUI offender. You also won’t be eligible if you work as a driver or if you refused to take a sobriety test. If eligible, you can apply for a conditional license by attending a hardship hearing and pleading your case. This can be favorable because you can still complete your daily obligations while you’re waiting for your regular license to be reinstated.
Have you recently been arrested for driving under suspension after a DUI conviction in Long Island, New York? You might want to speak with a dedicated criminal defense attorney to determine your best options going forward. Thankfully, the Law Office of Jacob A. Rudman is on your side! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.
