Trusted Traffic Offense Lawyers
Driving without a license in GA can carry serious consequences, as a misdemeanor crime.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Author: Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on September 04, 2020, last updated on September 23, 2020.
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Why Driving Without a License in GA Is a Bad Idea
If you are caught driving without a license in GA, it can carry serious consequences. Even though it is merely a misdemeanor, having any criminal action on your record can limit your job and housing opportunities, as well as result in substantial fines and maybe even jail time.
In Atlanta, you can not drive without a license. The law firm of Conoscienti & Ledbetter can assist, whether you are required to get your license renewed prior to you getting charged with driving without one, or if you have actually recently been charged with driving without a license in GA or on one that has been suspended. You do not want to merely attempt to handle this on your own.
Driving Without a License in Georgia Can Be a Problem
Driving without a license in Georgia is a more serious offense than it is in some of the other states. Georgia lawmakers take traffic violations very seriously. Not only does everyone who drives a vehicle in Georgia need to have a license, but they must also bring it with them while operating the vehicle. Even if you have a legitimate license, you can still deal with misdemeanor charges if you are pulled over and asked to provide it by a law enforcement officer, but you left it at home.
If you bring your license with you to court you can likely clear your charges with a 10-dollar fine, as long as you do not have other warrants or additional charges. Of course, if your license has been suspended, it is a different story. There are numerous reasons a license might have been suspended in Georgia including:
- Conviction of specific traffic and drug offenses
- Failure to pay Super Speeder fines
- Fifteen or more points on your license
- Lapse in insurance protection
- Missed court date
While the particular results will differ, a traffic court attorney will understand the standard charges you might be dealing with if found guilty of driving without a license and will know what the best strategy is for dealing with them.
Speak with trusted Traffic Offense Lawyers today, for free.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without a License in GA?
If you are apprehended for driving without a valid license, you are probably wondering, “What is the penalty for driving without a license in GA?” Well, if you have actually been pulled over for driving a motor vehicle without a driver’s license on your person in Georgia or your license has actually been suspended, you should understand that you are looking at a genuine problem ahead.
Although this is categorized as a misdemeanor in Georgia, the charge of driving without a valid license can result in prison time in addition to probation and fines. This is especially true if you have had previous offenses or were driving under the influence or is what is considered the “Super Speeder” range. Regardless, a reputable Georgia lawyer can help save you from spending 10 days in jail or more.
Be Aware Before Driving on a Suspended License GA
Although operating a motor vehicle without a driving license or without your license on your person is problematic, if you are driving on a suspended license in GA you will receive far stiffer penalties. Unfortunately, people are often uninformed that the Department of Driver Services (DDS) has actually suspended or canceled their license.
The DDS sends out suspension notifications in the mail. These notifications are often overlooked or ignored. In some cases, the person would have failed to update their address on their license upon moving. If you think your driver’s license may have been suspended, you should get in touch with the DDS at www.dds.ga.gov.
You do not want to initially discover that you have a suspended license while being detained throughout a regular traffic stop. If you are driving without a license in GA, you should retain the counsel of a respected Georgia attorney.
Driving with an Expired License Georgia Isn’t a Good Idea
You might not realize, but even if you are driving with an expired license in Georgia, it can result in serious repercussions requiring a skilled lawyer especially if while you are driving, you commit vehicular homicide or some other criminal offense.
That is why it is essential to maintain a current driver’s license if you are driving in the state of Georgia. If you are apprehended and charged with driving without a license, you should seek the advice of an experienced counselor in GA. They can provide you with the advice, a detailed defense plan, and then if needed, legal representation. If you attempt to represent yourself or actually choose to pay the fine without fighting it, it will remain on your permanent record. This might have serious long-term consequences.
Lost Driver’s License in GA? You Should Not Drive
If you are pulled over and you can not present your credentials, you are still liable even if you have lost your driver’s license in GA. Fortunately, with the legal representation of a skilled attorney, you may be able to avoid any ramifications traditionally associated with driving without a license in GA.
Hiring a Georgia Legal Firm
When hiring a law firm in Georgia, it is important to weigh your options. Look for one that has put the time and effort into constructing a comprehensive website with verified reviews. Driving without a license is no simple situation, whether you merely forgot it or it has been suspended. A skilled and knowledgeable attorney is your best option at having the charges dropped or at least minimized.
Contact us at the law firm of Conoscienti & Ledbetter for skilled advice on how to handle a ticket after you have been pulled over when you have lost your driver’s license (physically or through legal means) in GA. It might make the difference between your freedom and serving time.
Decatur Office
(404) 328-7276
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
