How Serious is Being Caught Driving with a Suspended License?

 Posted on May 21, 2025 in Criminal Defense

One market research company found that about 9 percent of adults who are on the roadways at any given time do not have a valid driver’s license. This could be because a person is not a citizen or because his or her license has been suspended because of a DUI or other traffic offense.  While some traffic offenses are not all that serious, others can have short-term and long-term negative consequences.

Being caught driving with a suspended driver’s license can have some fairly harsh penalties in Maryland, including being sent to jail. If you are facing charges of driving on a suspended driver’s license, your best course of action is to speak to an Anne Arundel County, MD criminal defense lawyer.  

What Can Result in a Suspended Driver’s License in Maryland?

While a DUI may be the most common reason for a suspended driver’s license, there are many other things that can lead to a license suspension, including unpaid child support, traffic tickets you may have forgotten to pay, refusing a breathalyzer test after being stopped for DUI, and driving at a high rate of speed. You could also have your license suspended for driving without auto insurance, having too many points on your driving record, driving recklessly, and certain other serious traffic offenses.

Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License

Driving with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or canceled is a misdemeanor criminal offense. The prosecution will attempt to show that you knowingly and willfully drove while your driver’s license was revoked.

At a minimum, driving on a suspended license in the state can result in up to two months in jail, a $500 fine, and three or more points added to your driving record. Once you reach 12 points, an automatic driver’s license suspension occurs. The maximum penalty is up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 12 points on your driving record.  

If you are facing charges of driving on a suspended license for the second time, you could face up to two years in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. When determining whether you will be sentenced to jail for driving on a suspended license, the court will look at a number of factors, including:

• Whether you have prior convictions for criminal traffic violations
• Whether you are a habitual offender for driving on a suspended license
• Whether you were charged with multiple offenses at the time of your stop, like DUI, speeding, or reckless driving
• Whether you knew you were driving without a license
• Whether you were on probation at the time of the arrest for driving on a suspended license

What Are Some Defenses for Charges of Driving on a Suspended License?

The specific defense used by your attorney will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding your charges. There are some defenses that are more likely to be used in situations like this, including:

• You were unaware that your driver’s license had been suspended.
• You were not actually driving at the time of the traffic stop.
• There were procedural errors by the police officer that occurred during the traffic stop.
• You were denied the right to an attorney or were not read your Miranda rights.

Contact a Montgomery County, MD Traffic Offenses Lawyer

If you are facing serious consequences after being stopped while driving without a valid driver’s license, a Rockville, MD traffic offenses lawyer from Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help. Attorney Snyder has 45-plus years of legal experience, helps his clients with the basics, like trial preparation and how to dress for court, and will fight for you aggressively in court. He is available 24/7 and has great relationships with local judges. Call 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.