Is Driving on a Suspended License a Criminal Offense?

Before 1903, driving licenses were not required in the United States. If you wanted to drive, all you needed was a functioning automobile. But as cars became more widespread across the nation, governments recognized a need to vet individuals before they started driving. Many Americans pushed back on these requirements, arguing that they represented a violation of their constitutional freedoms. However, driving licenses are an inescapable part of reality today, and you face consequences for getting behind the wheel without one. But what exactly are these penalties? Will you face a criminal offense if you drive on a suspended license in Tennessee?

Driving Without a License in Tennessee Is a Misdemeanor

In Tennessee, driving with a suspended license is a Class B misdemeanor. Technically speaking, you may face this charge whenever you drive without the privilege to do so. This may include not only past suspensions, but also canceled or revoked licenses.

Note that if you never actually obtained a license in the first place, you might experience more lenient penalties. A separate Tennessee law states that if you fail to hand over your license when stopped by a police officer, you will face a Class C misdemeanor. You might also face this charge if you have your license in the vehicle but refuse to show it to the officer.

A recent bill introduced in Tennessee could increase the penalty for driving without a license to a Class B misdemeanor. This would make the penalties for driving on a suspended license identical to driving without a license.

A Class B misdemeanor can lead to serious penalties in Tennessee. You could face a jail sentence of up to six months and a maximum fine of $500. As a result, it is worth defending yourself with help from a lawyer if you face this charge.

You Could Face More Serious Penalties for Subsequent Offenses

If you have driven on a suspended license in the past, you could face more serious penalties for subsequent offenses. In this situation, you could face a Class A misdemeanor and a maximum jail sentence of 12 months.

If your license was suspended because of vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, or DUI, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of two days in jail after driving. You might also face a fine of up to $1,000.

If you have driven on a suspended license in the past and your license was suspended due to vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, or DUI, you face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 45 days. You could also face a fine of up to $3,000.

Can a Tennessee Traffic Defense Attorney Help Me?

A Tennessee traffic defense attorney may be able to help if you face consequences for driving without a license. Whether your alleged offense was a simple mistake or a conscious decision, you should understand that you face potentially serious penalties. With help from The Law Offices of Josh T. Crain, you may be able to mitigate or even eliminate these penalties. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.