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Penalties for Driving On a Suspended License in Wisconsin

Written by Mark Eisenberg on . Posted in Blog, Criminal Defense.

Driving on a Suspended License in Wisconsin? You rely on your car every day, for work and for your personal life. But if your license has been suspended, you face significant legal problems under Wisconsin law for continuing to drive. The extent depends on why your license was suspended and what happens when you drive. When you harm property or other people while driving under a suspended license, the penalties increase.

Regardless, if you are caught driving with a suspended license, you will need strong legal representation.

Fines for Driving Under Suspension

Depending on why your license was suspended, you can face significant fines. In most cases, you may be fined between $50 and $200 for driving while your license is suspended. But if your license was revoked, or if you are charged with an OWI, that fine can increase to as much as $2,500. You can also be sentenced to up to a year in a county jail.

Hurting Others

The stakes increase dramatically as you cause more damage. If you seriously injure someone while driving with a suspended license, you face a fine between $5,000 and $7,500 and a one-year county jail sentence, and if you knew your license was suspended, can also be charged with a Class I felony. If you kill another person while driving under a suspended license, the fine can increase to $10,000 and a potential Class H felony.

Legal Help

If you are arrested for driving under a suspended license, cooperate with the arresting officer; resisting or fleeing will only lead to additional charges. Still, you should work with an experienced Wisconsin attorney to help protect your rights. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, or did not follow proper procedures to stop or arrest you, this can serve as evidence in your favor in court, and even be a basis to have the charges dismissed.

Even if your license was suspended, you have rights. If you have been arrested for driving under a suspended or revoked license, contact Eisenberg Law Offices. We will give you the experienced, effective representation that your case deserves.