What are the common penalties for driving under suspension in Ohio and why hire Goldman & Rosenthal if you have been charged with driving under suspension in Columbus, Ohio?
Every state in these United States takes their roads and the safety of their roads very seriously and the Buckeye State is no different. There are many reasons why one’s driver’s license can be suspended and once suspended, driving will be viewed as a crime that may be charged. The following is a quick run through of what can bring about a license suspension, what penalties come from driving under suspension and how to deal with the complications that may arise from such a situation.
Violations That Cause Suspension
Ohio uses a point-based system to determine how many offenses a driver can accumulate before getting his or her license suspended. Every conviction of a traffic violation will put points on your license. At 12 points – within a period of two years – your license will be suspended. Then, there are additional offenses that cause automatic suspension regardless of points such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
Once your license is suspended, you are not allowed to drive on Ohio roads. If you are caught doing so, you can face charges of a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum sentence on this charge includes a $1,000 fine and 180 days in jail. Additionally, if convicted, your license will face additional suspension and, in some cases, your vehicle will be immobilized. With prior convictions, the court may take your vehicle outright.The charge might be lessened if your license wasn’t suspended due to the violations stipulated previously. For instance, if your license is suspended because of a nonpayment or failure to provide financial responsibility for your motor vehicle, then it is an unclassified misdemeanor if it is your first offense. In this instance, there will probably be no jail time involved, though you could be ordered to enroll in community service and pay a fine.
Dealing with the Charges
Obviously, these are very serious repercussions that no one wants to face. Thus, it is imperative that anyone being charged with driving under suspension quickly seeks legal help that can aid you in court. In central Ohio, the law offices of Goldman & Rosenthal have a wealth of experience in dealing with these sorts of charges and are thus incredibly capable of offering expert advice that may serve as the difference between fines and jail time.