Suspended License in Philadelphia

Out of all of the offenses that warrant a suspended license in the state, DUI-related offenses undoubtedly carry some of the most strict penalties. A person can get their license suspended for up to a year in the state of Pennsylvania for having a BAC over the legal limit. Everyone has obligations, such as work, school, picking up kids from school, religious activities etc. Enduring a license suspension for a whole year is incredibly inconvenient for the average person. Some people mistakenly believe that if they drive safely without a physical license in hand that they will avoid run-ins with law enforcement. However, in the event that they are pulled over, they will be charged and with Driving Under Suspension.

DUI-Related Driving Under Suspension

The majority of people may not be aware that they can get their license suspended or revoked for offenses other than a DUI. There are several DUI-related offenses that could ultimately lead to a driving under suspension charge.

Chemical Test Refusal

Pennsylvania has imposed legislation known as implied consent laws that prohibit residents from denying chemical testing. This means that if an officer has a reasonable suspicion that you are driving impaired, he or she can request that you take a chemical test to affirm this notion. A refusal to do so leads to a license suspension.

Acceptance into ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitation Diversion)

The first time that a person is arrested for driving under the influence, they have the option of being accepted into the ARD program to avoid jail time and hefty fines. In order for a person to be granted entry into the program, the DA's office must confirm that a defendant has never been convicted of a crime ever, whether it be in Pennsylvania or another state in the country. Once accepted, a person will have to pay court costs or do community service. A license suspension for a short time may be ordered by the courts also.

Penalties for a DUI-Related Driving Under Suspension

A driving under suspension charge carries pretty severe penalties. Oftentimes, they are more severe than the initial DUI-related charge a motorist previously acquired. Although this charge is categorized as a summary offense, a conviction leads to penalties of a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 to 90 days spent in a county jail and a maximum $500 fine. In addition to these penalties, a motorist's driving privileges will be suspended for an even longer period of time than originally penalized.

Reinstating a Suspended License in Pennsylvania

In order to legally get back on the road in the state of Pennsylvania, motorists must wait for the duration of an extended penalty period. This waiting period is a requirement that must be fulfilled for a license to be reinstated, which means that there is no way to get around it. The length of this period often times depends on the nature of a case. In the eyes of the state, a DUI is considered an incredibly serious offense, which means that the penalty may be lengthy in comparison to other crimes. In addition to the severity of a crime, factors such as the number of prior offenses a driver has accrued are considered when dictating how long the penalty period will ultimately last.

The state imposes reinstatement fees for drivers who wish to get their license back. The amount one is expected to pay varies based on the penalty sanctioned due to a crime. After a motorist is informed of the payment, they can provide the full payment through PennDOT's website with an authorized credit or debit card.

Motorists are also expected to satisfy orders of the court correlated with the crime, submit proof of all related forms of insurance and re-apply for a new license (if applicable). It's important to note that each motorist's process for a reinstatement will be different. Some drivers will be required to complete additional steps that are associated with their circumstance.

Experienced Philadelphia DUI Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for driving on a suspended license, it is imperative you consult with an experienced attorney. LLF's skilled Criminal Law Team is here to help. Contact us today.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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