Unlicensed Operation Of A Motor Vehicle – Lawyer In Suffolk County
Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle (VTL §511, VTL §511.1, VTL §511.2, VTL §511.3) carries serious penalties. Depending on your prior record, you could be charged with a felony and be placed in state jail. Even with misdemeanor charges, you could face jail time, probation or fines in addition to increased insurance premiums.
At Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, we provide aggressive defense from all types of traffic violations and criminal charges, including charges for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Suffolk County and Nassau County attorney Bryan Cameron has more than 25 years of criminal defense experience. Before establishing our firm, he served as a prosecutor for four years, where he personally handled felony and misdemeanor criminal matters.
If you have been arrested for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in New York, contact our office online or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087) to arrange a free initial consultation with a lawyer.
Misdemeanor And Felony Unlicensed Operation Defense On Long Island
We defend clients from both felony and misdemeanor charges for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At our firm, we have an in-office connection to the traffic violations bureau system. When you meet with us, we can immediately review your driving record and history, giving you a clear picture of your options.
It is important, even in pleas, that reductions be made to certain traffic tickets so they do not affect your insurance premiums, result in a suspended license or lead to future vehicle forfeiture. We are experienced at representing clients in both the village courts and traffic courts of Suffolk and Nassau counties. We understand the process and can help you work to remove past license revocations or suspensions so you can have a clear license and avoid felony charges.
Levels Of Driving Without A License In New York
New York treats driving without a valid driver’s license differently from driving while your license is suspended or revoked. The difference matters because one may be handled as a traffic violation, while the other can become a misdemeanor or felony.
Under NYS VTL § 509(1), simple unlicensed driving may apply when a person never had a driver’s license or let a license expire. This is usually a traffic infraction, not a criminal charge. Key points include:
- Basic violation: A driver may face a fine of $40 – $300 if the license was expired or never issued.
- Lower fine range: A recent expiration may lead to a smaller fine.
- Added costs: State surcharges ($93 to $125) may also apply.
Aggravated unlicensed operation, often called AUO, is more serious. Under NYS VTL § 511, AUO applies when a person drives while knowing or having reason to know that the license was suspended or revoked.
The levels increase based on the facts:
- AUO in the third degree: This is a misdemeanor. It may apply when a driver operates a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. Penalties can include a fine from $200 to $500, up to 30 days in jail or both.
- AUO in the second degree: This is also a misdemeanor, but the consequences are higher. It may apply when there are prior AUO issues, a DWI-related suspension or a chemical test refusal. Penalties can include a fine from $500 to $1,000, jail of up to 180 days or probation. Some cases require jail or probation.
- AUO in the first degree: This is a Class E felony. It may apply when a driver operates while impaired, has repeated qualifying suspensions or drives after a permanent revocation. Penalties can include a fine from $500 to $5,000 and possible state prison time.
These charges are not all the same. A simple lapse may be resolved much differently than a suspended-license case. The court will look at the driver’s record, the reason for the suspension and whether the driver had notice.
Because AUO can create a criminal record, missed court dates or unpaid tickets should be addressed quickly. We can help determine whether the charge is correct, whether the suspension was valid and what outcome may be available.
Contact A Traffic Violations Attorney Serving Nassau County
To arrange a free initial consultation with criminal defense attorney Bryan Cameron, contact us online or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087). We are available to meet with clients weekdays during regular business hours, and weekends and evenings by request. You can reach us by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We accept Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards.
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