Henrico County Driving Without a License Lawyer
In Henrico County and throughout the state of Virginia, you must have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle. Your license may be issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or by the state where you currently reside if you are visiting Virginia. If you do not have a valid license and the police pull you over, you can be charged with a crime. Because the consequences are serious, you should consider contacting a Henrico County driving without a license lawyer for help after you have been charged.
Driving without a license is far more serious than simply receiving a traffic ticket for offenses such as speeding or running a stop sign. You could be jailed, face further suspension of your license, and be assessed large fines.
How an Attorney Can Assist You
A Henrico County driving without a license attorney will assist you in responding in a strategic way after police have charged you with driving illegally. Your options include:
- Negotiating with the prosecutor. Prosecutors will sometimes agree to dismiss charges or reduce the offense to an infraction if you can get your license shortly after you are charged. Your attorney can speak with the prosecutor on your behalf and attempt to help find a solution.
- Arguing that the initial traffic stop was unreasonable. Police cannot pull you over without probable cause, as the Fourth Amendment protects you from unlawful search and seizure. If they do stop you illegally, any evidence they obtain — including evidence that you don’t have a license— cannot be used against you. This means that the prosecutor may have to drop the charges.
- Raising defenses, including a lack of knowledge that the license was invalid, or mitigating factors like extreme hardship that necessitated driving without a current active license.
The right approach to dealing with your charges depends on the specific circumstances of your traffic stop and resulting arrest for driving without a license. A proactive lawyer can work to help you get the best outcome you can in your particular case.
Virginia Laws on Driving Without a License
Virginia Code § 46.2-300 makes clear that no person shall drive on any commonwealth roads until:
- They have applied for a license
- They have successfully passed the driver’s test required by code section 2-325
- They have obtained a driver’s license that is valid and remains unexpired
If you are accused of violating this law, you will be charged with a class 2 misdemeanor. The penalties for this offense include up to six months’ confinement in jail as well as a fine of up to $1,000. If the offense is your second, or you have multiple prior convictions for driving without a license, you could be jailed for up to a year and face fines of up to $2,500. For first and subsequent offenses, your driving privileges can also be suspended for 90 days.
You may face charges for unlicensed driving if:
- You have never obtained a license
- You lost your license as a result of drunk driving, reckless driving, or excessive traffic violations and points on your license
- You lost your license for failure to pay child support
- Your license has expired, and you did not renew it
Virginia also requires new residents to get a license in the state within 60 days of relocating. Waiting too long to obtain a license after moving can result in criminal charges for driving without a valid license. In these situations, working with a Henrico County driving without a license attorney can help you understand your options and build the strongest possible defense.
Contact a Henrico County Driving Without a License Attorney
Regardless of your situation, it is essential to remember that being charged does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. A Henrico County driving without a license lawyer can provide you with assistance in responding to the charges. Call today to schedule a free consultation where you can discuss your driving without a license charge.
