In Texas, if a person is convicted of a traffic offense while their driver license is invalid, then that person can receive an additional suspension action by DPS that could last indefinitely depending on the offense that was reported on their record. This article is intended to help those that are dealing with a driving while license invalid suspension in Texas. If you would like to discuss your driver license suspension with our experienced team of attorneys, feel free to call our office at 214-321-4105.
Understanding Driving While License Invalid Suspensions
Driving while license invalid suspensions are based on an underlying event on a person’s driving record that has caused the license to be invalid. For example, if a person has outstanding traffic tickets that have a hold on their license and cannot renew the license, then the license becomes invalid and cannot be renewed until the tickets are resolved. Another example is if a person has been convicted of driving without insurance. In that case, the person’s license will be invalid until they send a copy of insurance to DPS establishing coverage. In both of these situations, a situation has arisen that has caused the license to be considered invalid.
What has to happen next, is that the same person has to be convicted of another traffic offense during the time that the license is considered invalid. For example, if a person is pulled over for no seat belt while that person’s license is invalid. That person, then goes to the court and pays the ticket off instead of protecting their record. The conviction is then reported to DPS and DPS knows the person is driving when they should not have been driving. This causes an extended suspension action by DPS that will last an additional 3 months extending the suspension period.
What To Do If You Get A Notice Of Suspension
If you get a notice of suspension for driving while license invalid, you need to object immediately to the suspension action. Once you object to the suspension action, DPS is required to give you a hearing in the justice of the peace court where you resided to determine if your license should be suspended. During that time, you can work towards getting your license in an eligible status prior to the hearing. For example, if you have outstanding traffic tickets, you can resolve those tickets in a way that keeps them off your record. This can be done normally by hiring a lawyer. If you need to provide DPS with proof of insurance, you can do that as well.
Attending The Driver License Suspension Hearing
Once your license is in eligible status, you can then attend the hearing and request to have your suspension action probated. In most cases if you hire a lawyer, you will not need to attend this hearing. An attorney will attend for you. So long as your license is eligible prior to the hearing, you should be able to keep your license. For more information about hiring an attorney to assist you with the driver license suspension hearing, call us today.