If you’ve been charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license in Pennsylvania, you’re likely feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Violations of Section 1543 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code carry serious penalties that can impact your ability to drive, employment prospects, and even result in jail time.
At Troese Law, we understand the significant consequences you’re facing, and our experienced team is here to provide the legal guidance and representation you need during this difficult time. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore Section 1543, the potential penalties, defenses, and the importance of securing skilled legal counsel.
Section 1543 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle on any highway or trafficway in the state after your driving privileges have been suspended, revoked, or canceled, and before those privileges have been restored.
Suspensions or revocations of your license can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Driving in violation of Section 1543 is considered a summary offense in most cases, punishable by a fine of $200. However, the penalties can escalate significantly depending on the circumstances surrounding your suspension or revocation.
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI-related offense, a refusal to submit to chemical testing, or as a condition of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a DUI, the penalties for driving under suspension become much more severe.
For a first offense under these circumstances, you could face:
Subsequent offenses can result in misdemeanor charges, substantially higher fines, and longer periods of incarceration.
Additionally, if you were found to have any amount of alcohol or controlled substances in your system at the time of the offense, the penalties can be further enhanced, potentially leading to felony charges and years of imprisonment.
While the penalties for violating Section 1543 can be harsh, there may be valid defenses available to challenge the charges or mitigate the consequences. Some potential defenses include:
It’s important to note that the successful use of these defenses will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and the evidence available.
In addition to the potential fines and incarceration, a conviction under Section 1543 can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate criminal penalties. These may include:
Given the severe consequences associated with a Section 1543 violation, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney advocate on your behalf and protect your rights.
Facing charges for driving with a suspended or revoked license can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. The potential penalties, both criminal and collateral, can significantly impact your life and future prospects.
At Troese Law, we have extensive experience defending clients against Section 1543 charges. Our skilled attorneys will thoroughly review the details of your case, explore all available defenses, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome on your behalf.
We understand that each case is unique, and we will tailor our approach to your specific circumstances, taking into account your driving history, the reasons for your suspension or revocation, and any mitigating factors that may be present.
Don’t face these charges alone. Contact Troese Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a Section 1543 violation.
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense in Pennsylvania, with consequences that can reverberate throughout your life. At Troese Law, we are committed to providing aggressive and effective legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.
Our team has extensive experience navigating the intricacies of Section 1543 and related traffic offenses. We will work tirelessly to explore all available defenses and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Don’t let a mistake define your future. Contact us today at 814-297-8043 or office@troeselaw.com to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your legal matter. Together, we can help you overcome this challenge and move forward with confidence.
Remember, at Troese Law, we’re here to help you resolve your crisis and protect your rights. It’s time to get serious about your legal defense.
