Punishments For Driving With A Suspended License In Wisconsin

The thought of having a suspended license may seem like no big deal and easy to circumvent. After all, you can only get caught driving with a suspended license if you're pulled over first, right? It's not uncommon for people to think that as long as they're extra cautious on the road, no one will know that they are not legally permitted to be operating a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, they are bound to find out the hard way that driving with a suspended license is, indeed, a punishable crime in Wisconsin. Depending on the situation, like if you have multiple offenses within three years, you could face more serious criminal charges no matter what county you are in. Here's everything you should know about license suspension in Wisconsin.

How Your License Can Be Suspended In Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, certain traffic violations carry with them demerit points that are tied to your driver's license. Unlike a video game, you're NOT going to want to score the most points because the more you accrue, the more severe your punishment will be. Eventually, after repeated minor offenses, or after one major offense (such as a DUI), that add up to 12 or more points within a year, then your license will be suspended or even outright revoked. The Wisconsin Department Of Transportation states the following demerit point criteria and punishments:

With a probationary license, driver's permit or if you don't have a license:

• 12-30 points = 6 month suspension
  
• 30+ points = 1 year suspension
  

If you have a regular driver license or a commercial driver license (CDL):

• 12-16 points = 2 month suspension
  
• 17-22 points = 4 month suspension
  
• 23-30 points = 6 month suspension
  
• 30+ points = 1 year suspension
  

What Are The Penalties For Driving With A Suspended License In Wisconsin?
In the state of Wisconsin, law currently states that penalties for driving with a suspended license could include the following:

1. Civil forfeiture - driving with a suspended license will probably result in a fine unless there are repeat offenders. Most infractions require a find of $50-200, but more serious infractions, such as DUI or OWI can result in fines of up to $2,500.
   
2. Criminal charges - in more serious cases, such as if driving with a suspended license and being charged with an OWI/DUI, jail time and hefty fines are common.  If seriously bodily harm or a death occurred, the person can also be charged with a Class H felony. This is dependent on many factors, including whether the offender is aware of their driving privileges.
   
3. Jail time - if there are other enhancers or prior tickets for driving while suspended, the accused may face significant jail time, the length of which is entirely dependent on the situation.
   
4. Further suspension - if you have a history of infractions and get caught with a suspended license, you can expect a suspension extension in addition to other potential punishments.
   

How To Reinstate Your License In Wisconsin
Once your suspension has expired and you've fulfilled all requirements given to you by the court (paid your fines, shown proof of insurance, etc.), then you can apply to have your license reinstated. You can do this online, by mail or by visiting your local DMV.

We advise anyone with a suspended license to stay off the roads.  But if you have a suspended or revoked license and are pulled over, contact us before making any statements to law enforcement.  It does not matter whether or not you have a “good” reason for being behind the wheel, the prosecution will do their best to prove you are guilty.  Having an attorney on your side defending and advising you in this critical time could mean a difference in verdicts. To arrange your free consultation with a skilled Wisconsin defense lawyer, please call us today at 608-254-9589 or contact us online.

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