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New York Drivers License Suspension

It is not uncommon for a person’s driver’s license to be suspended and not even know it. Sometimes the first time they find out is when they are arrested. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge is not a defense. According to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 511, if your driver’s license has been suspended (depending on the particular circumstances of the case) you could be charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. This crime can happen fairly innocently. Perhaps you received a moving violation ticket and either did not respond, failed to pay the fine, or did not appear in court. If your license has been suspended, call a New York Driver’s License Suspension Lawyer from Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC. We will provide you with sound legal guidance and ensure that your rights are protected.

It is important to remember that the DMV will mail you a letter notifying you of a problem with your license, and that it is in danger of being revoked. Often people get into to trouble because they never receive the notification. Usually this is because they have moved and do not notify the DMV of the address change. If you do not receive this letter, or for whatever reason fail to action at that point, your license will be suspended. Commonly the first time people are aware of this problem is during an unexpected arrest due to a minor traffic stop. Our legal team can explain that irrespective of why your license actually was suspended or revoked, not being aware of the problem cannot be used as a defense.

The New York District Attorney will look at your record to see if this is a first offense, or if you have had suspensions or revocations in the past to determine what you will be charged with. For instance, if you have received four traffic tickets and do not properly take care of them, each citation counts as a suspension. These four suspensions cannot be fixed without each one being addressed separately. It is important to note that four suspensions are considered a misdemeanor, which is punishable by one year or less in jail.

If you have been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, the penalties are as follows:

Third Degree AUO: Is considered a misdemeanor offense. You can be charged up to $500 and be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail.

Second Degree AUO: Is considered a misdemeanor offense. You can be charged with a fine of up to $500 and receive 180 days in jail.

First Degree AUO: Is considered a felony. You can be charged a fine of $5,000 and be sentenced to state prison.

Another way that people get their license suspended or revoked is to obtain 11 points (or more) for moving violations within an 18 month period. If you know you have acquired 11 points or more, it is important to contact our legal team for guidance and to ensure your rights are protected.

Today having a valid driver’s license is essential to function in our busy mobile society. If your license has been suspended, speak with our legal team. We can help you fight your case effectively and restore you license. We have offices to serve you in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. We also have locations in Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, and Westchester County. Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 800.696.9529.

Client Reviews
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My wife and I met under some unconventional circumstances. After I had some legal problems, Mr Bilkis and his firm continually got me out of trouble. I then had his firm represented my wife and he got her out of trouble! We are still married and got our ways straightened away. We both can't thank him enough for saving our lives and our families! J.P.
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I contacted Stephen Bilkis' office for an issue regarding a family member and I could not be happier with the results. I have recommended the firm to friends and family, all of whom were also ecstatic with Mr. Bilkis and all members of his staff. P.R.
★★★★★
I was in need of legal assistance for a very sensitive matter for a family member. I contacted the law offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC and was met with staff whose demeanor was supportive, compassionate and professional. The lawyer handling our case had many years of experience and treated us as if we were his own family. Our experience was so good, and we became so close to all of the staff and all of the attorneys who assisted us, that we consider them our extended family and continue to send them our home baked gifts for the holidays. P.A.K.
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I hired Stephen Bilkis and Associates to represent me on a legal matter a few months ago and am grateful for their swift action and resolution on my behalf. I was impressed with their professionalism and would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat. M.B.