Driving While Suspended/Revoked Lawyer in St. Louis
Let Combs Waterkotte Defend Your Driving Privileges and Interests
Last Updated: January 23, 2024
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Driving While Suspended/Revoked Lawyer in St. Louis: Get Your Independence Back
Were you caught driving with a suspended or revoked license? At Combs Waterkotte, we handle traffic and license cases just like yours every day, and are committed to helping our clients get their driving privileges back.
About Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License in St. Louis and Missouri
Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Missouri is not merely a minor infraction; it's a serious offense that falls under the category of criminal negligence as per Missouri Revised Statute §302.321.
Combs Waterkotte handles suspensions and revocations just like yours every day. Contact one of our St. Louis traffic lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP.
This offense occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle while their driving privileges are suspended or revoked due to various reasons such as DUI offenses, accumulation of traffic points or failure to comply with court mandates.
Missouri law treats these violations with severity, particularly to deter the risks associated with unauthorized driving. The reasons for license suspension or revocation often involve scenarios that indicate a disregard for legal and safety norms, ranging from driving under the influence, making false statements on license applications, to refusing breathalyzer tests. Each of these scenarios signifies a potential risk to public safety, hence the strict stance of the law.
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with facing charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license. Our expertise lies in navigating the legal system in Missouri to provide robust defense and counsel to those accused of this serious offense. We recognize that for many, a driver's license is more than a permit to drive; it's a lifeline to work, family and essential activities. Therefore, our approach is not just about legal representation; it's about understanding the personal impact of these charges and working diligently to protect the rights and futures of our clients.
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What Happens if I’m Convicted of Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in St. Louis?
The legal penalties for driving with a suspended or revoked license in Missouri are stringent and escalate with repeat offenses. A first time offense is a class D misdemeanor (up to $500 fine), while subsequent offenses are class A misdemeanors (up to 1 year in jail and a $2,000 fine). A fourth or subsequent offense can be increased to a class E felony (1 to 4 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000). A dedicated St. Louis traffic lawyer like those at Combs Waterkotte can help minimize the impact of these charges on your life.
If convicted of driving while suspended or revoked, you may face:
- Fines up to up to $500 (first time offense)
- Additional suspension or revocation time
- Potential jail time for more serious or repeated offenses
- Increased insurance rates
- Points on your driving record
- Potential hardships finding employment
- Vehicle impounded
- A permanent driving record
When Is Driving While Suspended/Revoked a Felony in St. Louis, Missouri?
In St. Louis, Missouri, driving with a suspended or revoked license escalates to a felony under certain conditions, as outlined in RSMo §302.321 of the Missouri statutes. These include:
- If you are convicted a fourth or subsequent time of driving while revoked, and these offenses occurred within ten years of the current offense, it is classified as a Class E felony. This applies regardless of the nature of the previous offenses.
- It’s a third or subsequent conviction can be a Class E felony if you have a prior alcohol-related enforcement contact, as defined in RSMo §302.525. This is contingent upon the previous two driving-while-revoked offenses occurring within ten years of the present offense and the individual having served jail time of at least ten days for previous offenses.
- If your license was revoked because of a second-offense DUI, this can elevate the charge of driving while suspended or revoked to a Class E felony.
For Class E felony convictions under these circumstances, the statute mandates a minimum period of imprisonment. Unlike first offenses where parole or probation is possible, repeated offenses lead to more severe mandatory penalties.
How Can a St. Louis Traffic Lawyer Help With My Driving While Suspended or Revoked Case?
Facing charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license in Missouri is a serious matter, and Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis driving while suspended/revoked lawyers are equipped to provide the necessary legal support and guidance.
- We begin by thoroughly evaluating the specifics of your case, including the reason for the suspension or revocation, your driving history and the circumstances of the current charge.
- Based on our evaluation, we develop a tailored defense strategy. Whether it’s challenging the knowledge aspect, pointing out record inaccuracies, arguing necessity or uncovering procedural errors, our approach is designed to address the unique aspects of your situation.
- Our attorneys represent you in all court proceedings, advocating on your behalf. We understand the legal system in Missouri and work tirelessly to present the strongest possible defense.
- If the evidence is stacked against you, we negotiate with prosecutors to minimize penalties, aiming to reduce charges, fines, jail time or additional suspension periods.
Contact An Experienced St. Louis, MO Driving While Suspended/Revoked Lawyer
Combs Waterkotte’s St. Louis traffic lawyers are dedicated to providing professional legal expertise, offering personalized guidance and robust defense for those facing these challenging situations. Our goal is to protect your rights, minimize potential penalties and help you move forward with your independence and driving privileges intact. Contact us online or give us a call at (314) 900-HELP to discuss your driving while suspended or revoked case today.