Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. handles license suspension cases throughout Long Island and New York City. Whether you are facing a license suspension or you have been charged with driving with a suspended license, we can help.
Our suspended license attorneys have comprehensive knowledge of the applicable vehicle and traffic laws and will work to protect your driving privileges. Don’t let a license suspension interfere with your livelihood and your lifestyle. Contact our office today for a consultation.
Reasons for License Suspension on Long Island
A driver’s license can be suspended for several reasons, including:
- 11 or more points on a license within 18 months
- 3 or more traffic violations within 18 months
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- BAC test refusal
- Driving without insurance
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Fleeing an officer
- Improperly passing a school bus
- Reckless speeding
- Street racing
- Failure to respond to a traffic ticket
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces the following license suspensions:
- Indefinite suspension – There is no predetermined end date to suspensions for failing to respond to a traffic ticket, pay a fine, or file an accident report. You must formally request DMV to reinstate your license after the end date of the suspension.
- Definite suspension – The DMV issues suspensions with specific end dates for offenses such as accumulating 11 points within 18 months (60-day suspension), or driving while ability impaired by drugs (6-month suspension). You must pay restoration fees to have for license reinstated once the suspension period ends.
- Traffic accident license suspension – Drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident that results in property damage exceeding $1,000 must file a vehicle accident report with the DMV within 10 days of the accident. Failing to file an accident report may lead to a suspension; you must pay mandatory surcharges to lift the suspension.
The DMV can also suspend your driver’s license if you fail to respond to a moving violation in many states (excluding Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin). Driving with a suspended license can lead to jail time, fines, license revocation, and mandatory probation. No matter the reason for your license suspension, working with an experienced Long Island traffic ticket lawyer is a wise choice.
What Is a Restricted License?
If you are at risk of losing your driving privileges, we can help determine whether you are eligible for a restricted license rather than a suspension. A restricted license allows you to:
- Travel to work or school
- Transport a child to and from daycare or school
- Drive to the court or DMV for issues about a restricted license
- Travel to and from medical facilities for healthcare
If the DMV has notified you that your license has been suspended, you must act quickly. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can protect your driving privileges.
Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (§ 511), you can be charged with the aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) of a motor vehicle for driving with a suspended license. Depending on the circumstances, AUO can be a misdemeanor or felony charge:
- Third-degree AUO, a misdemeanor, is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500
- Second-degree AUO, a misdemeanor, is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
- First-Degree AUO (driving while intoxicated with a suspended license) is considered a felony punishable by a prison sentence and a maximum fine of $5,000
What is a Suspension Termination Fee?
Drivers must pay a suspension termination fee to end a definite driver’s license suspension, ranging from $25 to $100 depending on when and why your license was suspended.
Why Choose Us?
Our firm has a track record of success defending clients against driving with a suspended license. We are comfortable in both the traffic courts and criminal courts and will work to help you avoid a license suspension or defend you against a charge of driving with a suspended license. We have developed proven strategies to get AUO charges reduced and even dismissed and will leverage our skills and experience to protect your rights.
Contact An Experienced Long Island Suspended License Attorney
Driving on Long Island and throughout the New York City area is a necessity for many people. If you are facing a license suspension or have been arrested for driving with a suspended license, you need an experienced defense attorney. Contact us today for a consultation.
Michael A. Arbeit, P.C. defends people in suspended license driving matters throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and New York City, including Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx.