Driving With A Suspended License

By Amar S. Weisman, Esquire

Driving With a Suspended License is one of the most serious traffic violations in Maryland. The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman is prepared to represent clients whose licenses have been suspended.  

When Is The Motor Vehicles Administration Allowed To Seek Suspension And/Or Revocation? 

In the state of Maryland, the Motor Vehicles Administration ("MVA") is duty-bound to follow Maryland vehicle law when revoking and suspending licenses. In-state and out-of-state motorists alike are entitled to due process; in most cases, the MVA cannot revoke a license unless the motorist had the opportunity to present evidence at a fair hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge ("ALJ"). As a client of this law firm, we will diligently investigate whether the MVA had adequate grounds for suspension/revocation and ensure you were not denied due process rights guaranteed to in-state and out-of-state motorists alike. 

The body of Maryland Vehicle Law laying out when the MVA can (and cannot) suspend licenses highly technical and subject to judicial interpretation. Sometimes the MVA pursues revocation when the license holder:

• Failing to appear at a mandatory District Court traffic hearing
• Failing to Participate In a Court-Ordered Rehabilitation Program
• Not having insurance
• Accumulates eight or more points against her license in a two-year window
• Does not pay a judgment that the Court entered as the result of her behavior on a highway
• Obtained her license by misleading, lying, or defrauding the issuer of the license
• Suffers from physical impairments that undermine her ability to drive safely
• Gets a car loan by submitting misleading documents to the bank
• Fails to pay child support for more than sixty (60) days
• Fails to provide a legal justification for not submitting to a breathalyzer
• Fails to Attend a Court-Ordered Rehabilitation Program
• Is identified as an "unfit, unsafe, or habitually reckless or negligent driver"
• Is  convicted of driving or attempting to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Minor Children Are Especially Vulnerable To License Suspension 

In recent years, the Maryland General Assembly and the Governor enacted several laws in furtherance of public safety and welfare that make minor children  especially vulnerable to suspension and revocation. During the provisional license period, the MVA is sometimes empowered to suspend driving privileges against minors who violate curfews, drive unauthorized passengers, and against minors who (allegedly) use cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. When alcohol is in the picture, the probability of license suspension increases.  Minor children who drive or attempt to drive while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or controlled and dangerous substances often face big fines and long suspensions. Even if there is no vehicle involved, young people  convicted of attempting to buy alcohol or underage drinking are now face license suspension.

The Crime Of Driving With A Suspended License 

The crime of Driving with a Suspended License carries a fine of up to $500 and one year in prison for a first offense. At this law firm, we are prepared to investigate the facts and create the best possible legal defense on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, please call (410) 321-4994.

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