Virginia Beach Driving without a License

Each year, thousands of Virginia drivers are issued citations for driving without a license. Although many of these offenders simply forget to renew their driver’s license, or have only recently become state residents, when it comes to driving without a license, Virginia rarely provides exceptions for anyone. Unfortunately, the consequences of driving without a license are quite harsh, with penalties including a license suspension and hundreds of dollars in fines. In some cases, offenders may even be charged with a criminal offense. If you have been charged with driving without a license in Virginia Beach, you should discuss your situation with an attorney in your area. Oftentimes, professional legal representation can be the difference between receiving an expensive and inconvenient sentence and avoiding conviction altogether.

In Virginia, you can be charged for driving without a license if you have lived in the state for six months or longer and have not yet applied for a driver’s license. Likewise, if you forget to renew your license by its expiration date, you may face criminal charges for driving without a license. You can even be charged for letting an unlicensed driver operate your vehicle—regardless of whether or not you knew the driver did not have a license.

Contrary to what you may think, driving without a license is not a minor traffic violation, but a serious criminal offense. For your first violation, the crime will most likely be classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor (a title reserved for the most serious misdemeanor crimes other than Class 1 misdemeanors). However, if you have been convicted of driving without a license in the past, the charges will increase to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Unlicensed drivers face numerous penalties for their offense, including losing their driving privileges for 90 days, and receiving a fine of $750. Repeat offenders risk even more severe punishment, as the sentence for a Class 1 misdemeanor may include 12 months in jail, as well as a $2,500 fee.

In addition to the court-imposed sentence, the consequences of being labeled as an unlicensed driver can seriously impact your personal life. Your license may be revoked if you are repeatedly cited for driving without a license. If this happens, you will not only have to pay additional fees to reinstate your license, but you will also need to retake the required driving tests, and obtain SR-22 insurance. As a specialized insurance program for high-risk drivers, the cost of obtaining SR-22 is rather hefty, with coverage typically costing two to three times more than a traditional policy.

Fortunately, attorney Michael C. Tillotson can help you during this difficult time. As a skilled criminal defense attorney, Mr. Tillotson has the extensive legal knowledge and trial experience that you will need to fight your charges in court. Don’t give up hope. Contact Michael C. Tillotson today for a free consultation on your case.