Driving While Suspended in Westminster
In the state of Maryland, driving is considered a privilege and not a right. If you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, the consequences can be quite dire. If the prosecuting attorney can prove that you were aware that your license was suspended or revoked, then you can face fines and even jail time. However, if you’ve been charged with driving while suspended in Westminster, Maryland, you need the aid of a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer on your side.
What Can Happen If You’re Caught Driving With a Suspended License in Westminster?
Driving with a suspended license can prove serious for your future if you are convicted. However, the nature of why your license was suspended can have a serious impact on how you’re charged. For example, if your license is suspended for failure to appear in court for a minor traffic violation, then your charges will not be as severe as they would be if your license was suspended due to point accumulation or mandatory suspensions associated with DUIs. The aforementioned charges are known as “H charges”. The latter charges described are often referred to as “C” charges. Though the C charges are more serious than that of the H, either charge could result in jail time.
It All Comes Down to Whether or Not You Knew
To be convicted of driving with a suspended license, the prosecuting attorney has to prove that you knew your license was suspended in order to convict you. However, if the judge concludes that you probably knew, then you can also be convicted. There are several ways that they may try to prove this. For example, if they have evidence that the MVA sent out a notice of your suspension and the mail did not return to the post office, they can argue that you received that mail. The post office is not able to forward mail from the MVA, so if you left a forwarding address, the mail will return to sender. Though you will be considered at fault for not updating your address with the MVA, it is arguable that you may not have known your license was suspended.
That being said, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. All you need to do is work with a reliable attorney to handle your Driving While Suspended in Westminster, MD case.
Work with Legal Counsel You Can Trust
Criminal charges are serious and can have a lasting impact on your future. If you have been charged with driving while on a suspended license in Westminster, MD, then you need to move quickly to secure legal aid. Albers & Associates is highly qualified in a wide variety of criminal cases and we can help protect your rights. Contact us today for more information.