Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Driver License Suspension Lawyer
Why Driving On A Suspended License Can Hurt You
Understanding Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) in Texas
Driving is essential for most Texans, allowing us to commute to work, take children to school, and manage daily responsibilities. However, if your driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, operating a motor vehicle in Texas can lead to serious legal trouble. This offense, known as Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) or Driving While License Invalid, carries significant penalties that can impact your freedom, finances, and future driving privileges.
At the Beltz Law Group, we frequently assist clients in Rockwall County and throughout Texas who are facing DWLS charges. It’s crucial to understand why this offense can hurt you and what steps can be taken to defend against it.
The Punishment Range for Driving While License Suspended in Texas
The penalties for a DWLS conviction in Texas are not minor and can vary depending on your prior driving history and the specific circumstances of the offense. Here’s a general outline of the punishment range:
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First Offense (No Prior Convictions):
- Typically a Class C Misdemeanor.
- Punishment can include a fine of up to $500.
- However, if you are convicted of DWLS and did not have liability insurance at the time of the offense, the charge can be elevated to a Class B Misdemeanor.
- Class B Misdemeanor penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, confinement in county jail for up to 180 days, or both.
- In addition to court-ordered penalties, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will almost certainly impose an additional license suspension of your driving privileges.
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Lawyer For Suspended License
Subsequent Offenses (Prior DWLS Convictions):
- If you have a prior conviction for DWLS, the current charge is typically a Class B Misdemeanor.
- This means you face a fine of up to $2,000, confinement in county jail for up to 180 days, or both.
- Each conviction also adds to your driving record, leading to further extensions of your license suspension by the DPS.
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Serious Underlying Suspensions:
- If your license was suspended due to a more serious underlying offense, such as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), or if you were involved in a motor vehicle accident at the time of the DWLS offense, the penalties can be significantly more severe, potentially leading to felony charges depending on the specific circumstances and any injuries involved.
Beyond the immediate legal penalties, a DWLS conviction can also lead to:
- High Surcharges: The state may impose substantial surcharges that must be paid to the DPS to regain your license, often adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your financial burden.
- Increased Insurance Rates: Your car insurance premiums will almost certainly skyrocket.
- Difficulty Obtaining Future Licenses: It can become much harder to reinstate your regular driver’s license or obtain an Occupational Driver License.
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What Can Be Done to Assist in the Defense of a DWLS Charge?
Being charged with DWLS can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. The Beltz Law Group has extensive experience defending clients against these criminal charges in Rockwall County and across Texas. Our goal is to minimize the impact on your life, finances, and driving privileges.
Here’s how we can assist in your defense:
- Investigating the Basis of the Suspension: We will thoroughly examine why your license was suspended in the first place. Sometimes, the suspension may be invalid or based on outdated information. Understanding the root cause is critical to building your defense.
- Challenging “Knowledge”: A key element of a DWLS charge is that the prosecution must prove you knew your license was suspended. We will explore whether there is evidence to challenge this element, as many individuals are genuinely unaware of their suspension status until they are pulled over.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: Our attorneys will skillfully negotiate with the prosecutor to explore all possible avenues, including:
- Dismissal of Charges: In some cases, we may be able to secure a dismissal, especially if the underlying suspension can be quickly resolved or if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Reduction of Charges: We may negotiate for a reduction to a less severe offense, potentially a non-moving violation that has less impact on your record.
- Deferred Disposition/Probation: Our aim is often to achieve a deferred disposition, which allows the charge to be dismissed and kept off your record upon successful completion of a probationary period and resolution of the underlying suspension.
- Assisting with License Reinstatement: We will guide you through the often-complex process of clearing any outstanding requirements with the DPS to get your regular driver’s license reinstated.
- Obtaining an Occupational Driver License (ODL): If your license remains suspended but you need to drive for work, school, or essential household duties, we can assist you in obtaining an Occupational Driver License. This special license allows you to drive legally with certain restrictions, providing a crucial lifeline to maintain your daily life.
- Court Representation: We will represent you in court, ensuring your rights are protected and presenting the strongest possible defense.
Don’t let a DWLS charge jeopardize your future. The consequences are too significant to ignore. If you’ve been charged with Driving While License Suspended in Rockwall County or anywhere in Texas, contact the Beltz Law Group today for a comprehensive consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you.
