Suspended License

If a Southampton Police Officer pulls a motorist over and while running a license check sees that the license is suspended, the officer will issue a summons for driving with a suspended license. There are a number of different sections of law for driving a suspended license that an officer may charge a motorist under, depending on the number of suspensions, and the type of suspensions on the license. Regardless of the section of law cited, all charges for driving with a suspended license are criminal charges.

The most common suspended license charge issued in Southampton is for Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree under Section 511.1a. Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree involves driving with a suspended license with non-alcohol related suspensions issued on one or two different dates. This charge is a misdemeanor. A conviction for Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree will result in a criminal record for the motorist.

The second most common suspended license charge issued in Southampton is for Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 2nd degree issued under VTL Section 511.2a. This charge is more serious than Aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree and carry more serious penalties if convicted. The Southampton Police will issue suspended license tickets under Section 511.2a. if they determine that the motorist has 3 or more suspensions issued on 3 or more dates or if the motorist license has been suspended or revoked as a result of a prior alcohol or drug related offense or a refusal to take a chemical test.

A driver will also be charged with a 511.2a if the original suspension or revocation resulted from either a conviction for an alcohol or drug related violation, or a chemical test refusal, or if the original suspension was a mandatory suspension pending prosecution of an alcohol related offense.

New York State law requires those convicted of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree issued be sentenced to either 3 years probation or a certain amount of incarceration in addition to a minimum $500 fine and a New York State surcharge.  

Because of the exposure a motorist faces when charged with driving with a suspended license in Southampton, it is important to consult with an attorney about the possibility of having the summons dismissed or reduced to a 0-point non-criminal offense. If you have been charged with driving with a suspended license in Southampton, call me at (631) 665-2200 or text at (631) 624-4000 and I will let you know what you can expect the outcome to be with my representation.

NO ONE SHOULD EVER PLEAD GUILTY TO A TICKET 
WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING WITH AN ATTORNEY

Call today for Help! (631) 665-2200