Is a 'Driving While Suspended' Traffic Ticket Worse Than a Regular Ticket?

A lot of people mistakenly believe that a St. Louis Driving While Suspended ticket is just like any other traffic ticket that is issued by the police. But in reality, such a moving violation can have severe consequences in the short- and long-term. If not handled properly, it can result in a large number of “points”, a huge fine, much higher insurance premiums, a permanent mark on your driving record, and even jail time. Fortunately, an experienced law firm can take care of this type of citation before it gets any worse, and put you in good standing with the courts.

There are a number of reasons for why someone’s driver’s license may be suspended or revoked. Some of the most common are the following:

1. If you have accumulated too many points over a short period of time (accumulating eight (8) or more points in eighteen (18) months will result in a suspension of your driving privileges for at least thirty (30) days).
2. If you have unpaid St. Louis traffic tickets or St. Louis traffic warrants, your license can be suspended.
3. A suspension or revocation can result from a DUI or DWI conviction.
4. If you are involved in an automobile accident without any car insurance, your license can be suspended.
5. Your driver’s license can be suspended if you fall far enough behind in your child support payments.

If you are convicted of Driving While Suspended in St. Louis, Missouri, the punishment is jail time of up to 180 days (or more, if you have been previously convicted of the same offense).

In addition, pleading guilty to Driving While Suspended results in twelve (12) full points being assessed to your permanent driving record. Having twelve points added to your record in such a short period of time will in turn result in a further suspension of your driving privileges for another year (Missouri law states that the accumulation of 12 or more points in a 12 month period of time triggers an automatic revocation of your license for one year).

But the negative consequences described above do not have to happen to you. The affordable St. Louis traffic ticket lawyers at The Bankruptcy Company have the necessary skill and experience to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome with your Driving While Suspended ticket. Our goal is to negotiate with the local prosecutor to get the infraction reduced to a lesser charge (like a non-moving violation) so that no points are assessed, your insurance rates remain the same, your record stays clean, and you do not have to make an appearance in court. The fees for a standard Driving While Suspended traffic ticket are $225, but the consultation to discuss the matter is free of charge. Contact us today to learn more!!