License Suspension Defense Attorney in Kennewick, Washington

In Washington State, you may get your license suspended for breaking a traffic law, committing a moving violation, or accumulating point values on your driving record. Unfortunately, losing your driving privileges – due to a suspended or revoked license – may bring about increased difficulties in getting to work, school, or medical appointments. Likewise, you might end up missing out on employment offers and other career opportunities. 

If your Washington driver's license has been suspended and you want to know your rights to reinstate your driving privileges, consider speaking with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance. Attorney Nicholas George has the skill and resources to guide and represent clients in their license suspension cases. Using his extensive knowledge, he can help fight the suspension, work to get your license reinstated, or explore the possibility of getting a hardship license. 

Call today to book an appointment. Nicholas George Law Firm PLLC is proud to serve clients across Kennewick, Washington, and surrounding areas throughout Spokane, Walla Walla, Benton County, and Franklin County.  

Reasons a License May Be Suspended 

A license suspension can be described as a situation whereby your driving privilege is temporarily unavailable to you for a specific period. In Washington State, your driver's license may be suspended due to a different number of reasons.  

Automatic Suspensions (Point Suspension) 

The Washington Department of Licensing will automatically suspend or revoke your driver’s license if you accumulate 6 moving violations or 10 to 11 points within 12 months. Accumulating 12 or more points may result in a license revocation. 

Criminal Suspensions 

Also, your driver’s license may be suspended for committing a motor vehicle-related criminal offense, such as: 

• Vehicular manslaughter 

• Reckless or aggressive driving 

• Vehicular felony 

• Fleeing from a police officer 

• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

• Hit-and-run accidents 

Finance-Related License Suspensions 

Your license may also get suspended as a result of finance-related reasons such as: 

• Failing to pay compensation or damages from an accident 

• Failing to pay traffic tickets 

• Defaulting on child support or alimony payments 

• Failing to pay student loans 

• Failing to pay court fines 

Discretionary Suspensions 

In addition, your driver’s license may be suspended for discretionary reasons, including: 

• Being considered an immediate threat to public safety 

• Operating a car improperly 

Other Reasons for Suspension 

Some other reasons that can lead to a driver’s license suspension in Washington State include: 

• Being convicted for a drug-related offense 

• Having a history of physical or mental health problems 

• Using a fake ID 

• Failing to register as a sex offender 

• Failing to appear on an outstanding arrest 

• Violating a domestic violence protective order 

According to recent statistics, about 200,000 drivers in Washington State have their licenses suspended for failure to appear in court. If you believe that your driver's license was suspended unjustly, you should get in touch with a strategic criminal defense attorney right away. Your lawyer can craft a strong defense to help reinstate your license and make sure you do not drive with a suspended license. 

Penalty for Driving with a Suspended License 

In Washington State, driving with a suspended license is a moving violation. A defendant convicted of this offense may likely face a maximum fine of $5,000, up to one year in jail, and other life-altering consequences. Rather than committing another offense by driving on a suspended license, you may apply for a hardship license. 

What Is a Hardship License? 

A hardship license is an Occupational/Restricted license (ORL) that is available to motorists with a suspended license in Washington State. The hardship license allows you to drive to and from school, work, hospital, traffic court, court-ordered community service, and other important places. 

Who Qualifies for a Hardship License? 

In order to be eligible for an ORL, you must meet the following requirements: 

• You have a Washington driver's license. 

• You have had no conviction for vehicular homicide within the previous seven years. 

• Your driver’s license suspension wasn’t due to certain offenses, such as DUI, vehicular assault or homicide, probation violation, fraud, failure to pay child support, or medical reasons. 

An experienced Washington State license suspension defense attorney can determine your eligibility for a hardship license, help file your application, and walk you through the process of getting your driver’s license reinstated. 

Getting a License Reinstated  

You may be able to reinstate your license in Washington State once your suspension period is over. You may need to submit an SR-22 Financial Responsibility Form to the court – alongside your license reinstatement application – and pay a $75 fee and other licensing fees. An email notification will be sent to you once your application is approved. 

Work With a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney 

Violating a Washington State traffic law may result in a license suspension. However, losing your driving privileges can jeopardize your quality of life, cost you major life opportunities, or bring about a lot of inconveniences. Therefore, if you want to contest your license suspension, hiring a knowledgeable traffic violations defense attorney is imperative for proper guidance and to help build your defense. 

Attorney Nicholas George has devoted his career to handling criminal cases and helping clients fight their license suspensions. As your lawyer, Nicholas can investigate every last detail of your case and help strategize your best defenses. Also, Attorney Nicholas George will represent you diligently at the traffic court, attempt to establish your innocence, help complete and submit the necessary documentation, and ultimately get your driver's license reinstated.