Driving While Suspended

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Driving with a Suspended License

Criminal Defense and Driving while Suspended attorney Rhett Bernstein is available to practice criminal law anywhere throughout the state of Oregon, including: Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties; as well as most municipal courts throughout the Portland Metro area. Call (503) 454-6610 for a free initial case analysis.

Many driving charges and convictions, including DUI, will result in your license being suspended or even revoked. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you run the risk of being charged with a crime involving jail time and heavy fines. We understand that the ability to drive is vital to maintaining employment and raising a family. When the ability to drive is taken by the Court or the Department of Motor Vehicles, you need the best attorney you can find to advocate on your behalf to protect your ability to drive. In many cases, the Court will listen to valid reasons to retain your ability to drive. However in some cases, the wrong attorney is retained or the law requires a suspension and the license is suspended.

When you face the accusation of driving while suspended, you also face the reality of further consequences from the Court, including jail time and fines. It is imperative to hire a competent and experienced trial lawyer that can address the possible consequences with the Court to protect you from further impact on you job or family. Rhett Bernstein has been representing good people accused of driving while suspended or driving while revoked for over a decade. Addressing a charge of driving while suspended or driving while revoked is manageable in the hands of Rhett Bernstein and his legal defense team.

Rhett Bernstein employs former prosecutors, former law enforcement officers, and former forensic experts. Rhett Bernstein defends clients throughout the state of Oregon; including Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, and all Portland-area municipal courts in the following counties and cities:

Boring
Canby
Clackamas
Damascus
Estacada
Gladstone
Happy Valley
Lake Oswego
Milwaukie
Molalla
Oregon City
Sandy
Tualatin
West Linn
Gresham
Maywood Park
Portland
Troutdale
Wood Village
Banks
Beaverton
Bull Mountain
Cornelius
Durham
Forest Grove
Gaston
Hillsboro
King City
Laurelwood
North Plains
Sherwood
Tigard
Tualatin
Wilsonville

Reasons for Suspension

Certain criminal convictions, vehicle accidents, or other driving-related conduct are all examples of reasons why your license may be suspended or revoked. Examples of these convictions include:

  • Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
  • Aggravated Driving while Suspended or Revoked
  • Murder, Manslaughter, or Criminally Negligent Homicide if a vehicle was used
  • First-degree assault (Assault I) if a vehicle was used
  • Certain Drug Offenses
  • Reckless Endangerment, Menacing, or Criminal Mischief resulting from operating a vehicle
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
  • Theft of gasoline
  • Criminal Trespass, if a vehicle was used

Even if you do not commit a major crime, your license can be suspended as a result of certain accidents or other incidents related to driving. For example, you are at risk of losing your license if you:

  • Fail to report an accident when required
  • Driving an uninsured vehicle which contributes to a fatal accident
  • Fail to take a driver’s test as required by the DMV
  • Fail to obtain medical clearance to drive after the DMV asks you to do so, or are incompetent to drive

Criminal Charges

Violation

In many situations, you may be charged with a Class A traffic violation, which involves fines or other penalties, but not incarceration. The maximum fine for a Class A traffic violation is $2000.

Misdemeanor

You run the risk of being charged with a Class A Misdemeanor if your license was suspended or revoked because of:

  • Reckless Endangerment, Menacing or Criminal Mischief resulting from driving a vehicle
  • Perjury or making a false statement to the Department of Transportation
  • Refusing or failing a test to determine whether you are intoxicated
  • Being a habitual traffic offender, or
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer

  • DUI

  • Certain Drug Offenses

Felony

You may be charged with a Class B Felony if your license was suspended or revoked due to convictions including:

  • Murder, Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide, or Assault if a vehicle was used
  • Aggravated Vehicular Homicide
  • Aggravated driving while suspended or revoked
  • Felony Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence (DUI)

In addition to possible jail time, you may be fined and your vehicle may be impounded or immobilized for driving after suspension or revocation. If your license was suspended due to DUI, you may be subject to a minimum fine of:

  • $1,000 for a first conviction for driving while suspended or revoked
  • $2,000 for a second conviction

Driving with a Suspended License Legal Defense

If you are charged with driving while your license is suspended or revoked it is imperative that you contact criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately. Without hiring legal representation you run the risk of a jail or prison sentence. The consequences for any conviction can be very serious and can possibly affect employment, school or insurance. While it’s true the law provides specific penalties for this crime, your personal circumstances and the evidence collected by our legal team will ultimately shape the view of the prosecution and judge. Criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein is familiar with how these charges are handled and is your best option for the best possible outcome in your case.

Legal Disclaimer: Nothing on this site shall be taken as legal advice. For advice on a legal matter, contact attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation.

Criminal Defense attorney Rhett Bernstein is available to practice criminal law anywhere throughout the state of Oregon, including: Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties; as well as most municipal courts throughout the Portland Metro area.