When your license is suspended in South Carolina, it’s very important to understand the implications behind it. A license suspension can be issued for a multitude of reasons, and an experienced Greenville criminal defense attorney can help you understand this complex situation.
This post will inform you why your license is suspended, what you can and can’t do with a suspended license, and what to do if you face this issue.
Reasons Why Your License is Suspended in South Carolina
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In South Carolina, one of the most common reasons for license suspension is a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. The state takes DUI very seriously and will suspend your license immediately if you are found guilty. This is to keep the roads safe by keeping impaired drivers off the road.
Consulting a DUI defense attorney can help you navigate the legal process and potentially reduce the penalties associated with a DUI conviction.
Points
South Carolina has a points system to monitor and punish traffic violations. Each violation adds points to your record. If you get too many points in a certain time frame your license will be suspended. This is to encourage drivers to follow the traffic laws and drive safe to avoid getting to the point of suspension.
Failure to Pay Fines or Child Support
License suspension can also happen if you fail to pay court ordered fines or child support. The state uses this to enforce financial responsibility. Non payment will suspend your license and add to your problems by limiting your ability to drive which will make it harder to meet your obligations.
Insurance Lapse
Having proper insurance is a legal requirement for drivers in South Carolina. Failure to keep your insurance up to date will suspend your license. This is to make sure all drivers are financially responsible in case of an accident so the driver and others on the road will not be financially burdened.
Other Criminal Convictions
Besides DUI, other criminal convictions can also suspend your license. Offenses like reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, and certain drug-related crimes are considered criminal offenses that will take away your driving privileges.
These suspensions are additional penalties for serious offenses and emphasize the importance of being law-abiding behind the wheel.
Immediate Effects of License Suspension
Loss of Driving Privileges
When your license is suspended in South Carolina the most immediate effect is loss of driving privileges. This means you are legally not allowed to operate any motor vehicle. Not being able to drive will severely impact your daily routine from commuting to work to running errands.
Daily Life
Driving while your license is suspended can affect your daily life in many ways. Without being able to drive you may not be able to get to work, school or fulfill family obligations. Public transportation options may be limited and relying on others for rides can be inconvenient and a burden.
Financial Consequences
License suspension comes with financial penalties. You may have to pay fines related to the violation that caused the suspension. And there are fees to reinstate your license when the suspension is over. These costs, including the reinstatement fee, can add up fast and put a financial burden on you and your family.
Legal Consequences
Driving while your license is suspended can lead to serious legal consequences. If caught you may be charged with a misdemeanor which can lead to jail time and more fines.
This can extend the suspension period and create a cycle of legal and financial problems. Following the terms of your suspension is crucial to avoid these severe consequences.
Legal Consequences for Driving with a Suspended License
Misdemeanor Charges
In South Carolina, driving while your license is suspended is considered a criminal offense and is a misdemeanor. Being caught driving under suspension can lead to criminal charges and a court appearance. These charges emphasize the importance of following license suspension laws and can stay on your record forever.
Fines and Jail Time
If convicted of driving while your license is suspended, you may face large fines and potential jail time. The fines can be hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the circumstances and if it’s a repeat offense. You could also be sentenced to jail time which will further complicate your personal and professional life.
Extended Suspension
Driving while your license is suspended will extend the suspension period. This means the original suspension period will be longer and you won’t be able to drive legally again until the extended period is over. The extended suspension is another penalty and will add to the challenges of getting your license back.
License Plates Confiscated
In some cases, if you are caught driving with a suspended license law enforcement may take your vehicle’s license plates. This is to prevent you from driving again. You won’t get your license plates back until your license is fully reinstated by the DMV which is another layer of inconvenience and penalty.
What to Do if Your License is Suspended
1. Call a Lawyer
The first and most important step is to call a lawyer who specializes in traffic violations and license suspensions. A lawyer will guide you through your situation, explain your rights and represent you in court if necessary. Legal help will increase your chances of a good outcome.
2. Get the Facts
Get all the information about your suspension. This includes the reason for the suspension, the length of the suspension and what you need to do to get your license back. Knowing the details will help you navigate the process better.
3. Follow Court Orders
Make sure you follow all court orders and requirements. This may mean paying fines, attending court hearings, taking traffic school or completing other court mandated obligations. Following the orders is key to avoiding more legal trouble and to get your license back.
4. Reinstatement Fees
Once the suspension is over, you will need to pay the reinstatement fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get your license reinstated. These fees are to process your reinstatement and get your license back. Make sure you have the money available to avoid delays.
5. Proof of Insurance
You will probably need to provide proof of insurance before your license can be reinstated. Make sure you have valid auto insurance that meets South Carolina’s requirements. Not having proof of insurance will delay and complicate the reinstatement process.
6. Complete Required Programs
If your license is suspended for certain violations you may be required to complete specific programs such as DUI education courses or defensive driving classes. Completing these programs is often a requirement of the reinstatement process.
7. Reinstatement Application
Submit a reinstatement application to the DMV to get your driver’s license reinstated once you have met all the requirements. This application will include all the necessary documentation, proof of compliance and fees. Make sure your application is complete and accurate to speed up the process.
8. Check with the DMV
After you submit your application check with the DMV to make sure your reinstatement is being processed.
Visit an Experienced Greenville Criminal Defense Attorney Today!
When your license is suspended, it can be extremely frustrating, but you must follow South Carolina law to avoid further complications. When you work with one of our lawyers at Baldwin Law, we can help you understand the process and stay out of further trouble.
Don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible. Contact us at 864-630-8503 for a free consultation!
