How much jail time can I get for driving while suspended?
It depends on how it’s charged. Maryland has several different statutes that deal with people driving with a suspended license. The most common is MD Transportation Code § 16-303. It ranges from points on your license and a fine – to 2 years in jail for multiple violations.
Can the length of my suspension be affected if I’m caught driving?
Yes – If you are convicted and receive points on your license. Depending on the number of points you receive, your license can be resuspended on points.
Can they tow my car away?
Yes. If the officer chooses, they can send a tow company to attach your vehicle and take it to a tow yard. It will cost money to get it out.
Can I be arrested and taken to jail immediately?
It’s possible. I’ve seen it happen. But, I would say if you’re polite and it’s your first offense, and you have no outstanding warrants, your chances are pretty fair that you will just be cited at the stop location and let go. The officer will likely tell you not to drive. You’ll probably have to call an Uber or have a friend drive your car.
What’s going to happen to me when I go to court?
You’ll arrive at the court house. You’ll probably meet your lawyer outside the court room. Your lawyer will go inside and speak to the prosecutor. Hopefully, your attorney will work out a satisfactory deal for you. If you have a good defense, and the prosecutor won’t drop your charges, your lawyer may take your case to trial. If you don’t have a good defense, then your lawyer may ask you to plea. Sometimes, under certain circumstances, your attorney may be able to get the prosecutor to drop the charges.
What defense can I use?
I would say the most common defense is knowledge. In order to be convicted, you have to know that your license was suspended. But, it doesn’t always work. The prosecutor could make an argument that you should have know your license was suspended. It’s called constructive knowledge. A skilled lawyer should know when it’s appropriate to make that kind of argument.
What’s the best thing I can do to prepare for court?
Hire a lawyer. Get your license valid.