Licensing Offenses in Tacoma

Getting Washington Residents Back on the Road

If your license has been suspended, your life can be negatively impacted in a number of ways. Not being able to drive to work, school, or anywhere else can make it difficult to fulfill the responsibilities necessary to stay moving forward. You need help clearing your driving record, avoiding unjustified punishment, and getting back on the road.

Did you know that driving on a suspended license is the most charged criminal traffic offense in Washington? Being convicted of driving on a suspended license can result in fines as well as jail time. The attorneys at Daryl Graves Law, PLLC have extensive experience representing individuals before the Department of Licensing for sanctions against driving privileges.

Some common examples of license offenses include:

• Driving a commercial vehicle without the proper license
• Driving without insurance
• Driving with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license can be charged in the first, second, and third degree. Decisions regarding sentencing usually involve surveying the person’s prior criminal history. If there is an existing record, this will determine which degree is charged.

RCW 9A.20.342

First Degree

A first degree charge is considered a gross misdemeanor, carrying the minimum sentence requirements. This could result in a sentence of 10 days in jail depending on how many convictions the person already has.

Second Degree

A more serious offense, this charge is generally filed when the person could have a valid driver’s license but opted instead to fail to pay fines. This crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Third Degree

The most serious of licensing offenses, a third degree infraction is considered a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, with a minimum sentence of 90 days. It also carries a fine of up to $5,000.