Operating Motor Vehicle with Suspended Registration
Make no mistake – a conviction for operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration in the state of New York could have a serious impact on your future. New York law requires that every vehicle on the road must be registered with the DMV before it can be driven legally. Too many folks are erroneously under the impression that driving a vehicle with a suspended registration is a minor traffic violation with no massive consequences. This is not the case. Driving on a suspended registration is a misdemeanor offense in New York and those who are convicted will have a permanent criminal record. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent your case is crucial regardless of your background and lack of previous charges or convictions.
In cases involving operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, the severity of punishment will depend on the details of your case. Factors including why your registration was suspended and the reason why you were pulled over will be considered. For example, if your registration or driver’s license was suspended due to traffic violations that prove you pose a risk to other drivers on the road, expect a heavier consequence than someone whose registration simply lapsed and they forgot to renew. If convicted, even a first-time offense can result in a sentence that includes up to 30 days in jail as well as a fine.
Having an Experienced Attorney Can Make All the Difference
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Getting caught with a suspended registration and the process that follows can make otherwise good citizens feel like common criminals. We know you are not a common criminal. Life gets busy and you may have forgotten to renew your insurance coverage when the policy ended or perhaps you were dropped by your insurance for acquiring too many tickets. Perhaps you had unresolved parking tickets or were unable to make a payment.
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Most individuals who find themselves slapped with a charge for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration did not set out to break the law and certainly never considered themselves to be harming other drivers on the road. Regardless of who you are and your reason for driving on a suspended registration, we do not recommend fighting the charge alone. Investing in a New York attorney who specializes in traffic crimes could be the decision that keeps you from further suspensions to your license, keeps you out of jail and preserves your record.
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Regardless of the details, do not delay if you currently face charges for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration. If you are unsure of the type of attorney to hire, be sure to enlist the help of an attorney who specializes in traffic and criminal law, a DUI attorney, and/or a criminal defense attorney. They will have the experience necessary to advise you on your next steps and secure the best possible outcome for you.
If convicted of this crime as a first offense, you can be subject to a criminal record for your lifetime, up to 30 days in jail, a fine and mandatory state surcharges.
The case will be heard in a criminal court such as the First District Court of Nassau, 99 Main Street in Hempstead, New York, or First District Court of Suffolk, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, New York. These courts can require you to be represented by an an attorney.
If you have been charged with Vehicle & Traffic Law sections 512 and/or 319.1 for driving with a suspended registration or uninsured operation of a motor vehicle, call me, Jeanne Marie Beckmann 516 485 4888 for a free consultation. My office is on-line with NYSDMV, can obtain an abstract of the registration and determine its status.
A condition of any offer to have the criminal charge(s) reduced to a traffic infraction typically requires that the registration be restored and any suspension cleared or rescinded.