Driving With a Suspended License in Indiana

Fort Wayne lawyer defends against charges and seeks reduced penalties

Drivers’ licenses can be suspended for varied reasons, and suspensions are mandated for certain violation of motor vehicle laws. If you are caught driving with a suspended license in Indiana, you face possible criminal penalties, including fines and jail time. At The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, located in Fort Wayne, our experienced lawyer will examine all the facets of your case in order to build a strong defense and to work to get you the best possible outcome. 

Types of driver’s license suspensions

Driver’s licenses can be suspended in Indiana for several reasons, including the following:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence 
• Not paying court-ordered child support
• Having too many traffic violations and points on your license
• Driving without auto insurance 
• Causing injuries or death due to reckless driving
• Having a medical condition that causes diminished driving skills
• Failing to appear in court or pay a traffic ticket

You are required to comply for the duration of the suspension period, which may be from 90 days to two years depending on the reason. If you have driven anyway because you needed to get to work, transport a family member or fulfill other obligations, and you have been charged with violating your suspension, our law firm will represent you in defense against the penalties you face. 

Penalties for driving with a suspended license in Indiana 

A first offense of driving with a suspended license is treated as a Class A infraction, which carries a fine of up to $10,000 but usually no jail time. For a second offense within 10 years, the crime is a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail in addition to a $10,000 fine. Driving with a suspended license can be charged as a felony if there were aggravating factors. 

Aggravating factors for driving with a suspended license

The penalties for driving with a suspended license can be worsened by such factors as: 

• Causing bodily injury or death
• Fleeing the scene of an accident, 
• Driving without insurance, 
• Driving a commercial vehicle 
• Getting a DUI for alcohol or drug intoxication. 

An Indiana lawyer for drug charges can help you if you are charged with driving on a suspended license while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Defending against charges of driving with a suspended license

Possible defenses to driving when your license is suspended include:

• It was an emergency situation.
• You were unaware your license was suspended.
• You thought you had certain driving privileges, such as to go to work.
• The suspension was in error.
• Correct legal procedures were not followed in suspending your license.

We will thoroughly investigate of your case in order to develop the strongest defense possible. 

Getting your Indiana driver’s license reinstated 

Once your suspension period expires, you can take steps to have your license reinstated. These include filling out the appropriate paperwork, showing proof of SR-22 financial responsibility insurance coverage, completing any court-ordered programs and paying any fines and reinstatement fees. We can assist you with all aspects of the process. 

Contact our Fort Wayne attorney when you are accused of driving on a suspended license 

The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey in Fort Wayne assists clients who are charged with driving on suspended licenses in Indiana. Call our law firm at 260-222-7364 or contact us online to set up a free consultation.