If you are charged with an alcohol or drug-related violation, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may lose your driving privileges. Your license may be suspended or revoked for a particular period.
It’s unlawful to drive without a valid license. Here is what can happen if you do so:
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd degree
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) is the offense one is guilty of when they drive with a suspended or revoked license.
A person who commits this offense for the first time may be charged with AUO-3rd degree – a misdemeanor.
AUO-2nd degree
Someone caught driving with a suspended or revoked license after being convicted of AUO-3rd degree within the last 18 months may face an AUO-2nd degree – a misdemeanor.
A driver with a previous license suspension or revocation due to a conviction for an alcohol or drug-related violation/a chemical test refusal may also be convicted of AUO-2nd degree when caught behind the wheel with a suspended or revoked license.
Additionally, a driver caught driving on a suspended or revoked license may face AUO-2nd degree if their previous suspension was a mandatory one while an alcohol or drug-related offense was pending prosecution or if they have three or more license suspensions imposed on at least three different dates for not answering traffic tickets.
AUO-1st degree
AUO-1st degree is a felony that comes about when a driver driving with a suspended or revoked license is intoxicated and has an existing suspension or revocation due to an alcohol or drug-related violation or a chemical test refusal. Or if they have 10 or more license suspensions imposed on at least 10 different dates for not answering traffic tickets.
The above-discussed offenses can result in fines, jail terms/probation, surcharges and possible seizure and forfeiture of the vehicle driven. If you are facing any, learn more about it to avoid these potential penalties.