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In Ohio, as in other states, some traffic violations are considered criminal offenses. Driving without a valid license is one of them.
Officially, the charge is defined in the Ohio Revised Code 4510.12 as the operation of a motor vehicle on a public roadway without a valid license or operator’s permit. It’s classified as a misdemeanor and encompasses those without licenses or permits, expired licenses or permits, or suspended licenses.
Don’t panic — a charge isn’t a conviction and can be challenged. Reach out to Gounaris Abboud, LPA, today at (937) 915-6271 for a formidable defense that can save your license to drive.
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If you’re convicted of driving without a valid driver’s license in Ohio, you could be looking at an unclassified misdemeanor, which is considered a minor misdemeanor. Although unclassified misdemeanors aren’t as severe as classified misdemeanors, such as driving on a suspended or revoked license, you still could face serious consequences.
| Offense Type/Penalties | Driving Without a Valid License | Second or Subsequent Offense | Driving with an Expired License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Misdemeanor | Unclassified Misdemeanor (Minor) | First-Degree Misdemeanor | Minor Misdemeanor |
| Fines | Fines and fees up to or above $1,000 | Fines of up to $1,000 | Fines up to $150 |
| Other penalties | Possible community service (up to 500 hours) | Up to six months in jail | |
| No Driving Privileges | 15 days to 30 days after the arrest | 60 days after the arrest | 60 days after the arrest |
*Legal penalties can vary based on individual circumstances and jurisdiction. Consult with a qualified traffic attorney at Gounaris Abboud for accurate guidance specific to your case.
If you’re convicted of driving without a valid license for the first time, you’ll likely only have to pay fines and fees, which could reach up to or above $1,000. Community service may also be on the table, in which case you could be obligated to complete up to 500 hours.
A conviction of a second or subsequent offense of driving without a valid operator’s license will result in you being charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. With a first-degree misdemeanor, the punishments increase substantially to include up to six months behind bars and fines of up to $1,000.
Driving on public roadways with an expired license is treated as a minor misdemeanor and could net you up to $150 in fines and court costs of $120.
You could be looking at a license suspension if the following conditions are true within three years of your current charge:
You’ll be looking at a one-year suspension. If this is currently your situation, it’s imperative that you contact an experienced traffic attorney to fight to preserve your license.
Forgetfulness isn’t a crime in itself. People forget things all the time, so leaving your license at home may be more common than you think. That said, you can still be charged with driving without a license in Ohio if you forgot to bring yours with you, even if you have a valid license or operator’s permit.
Fortunately, the charge of driving without a license in Ohio is typically dismissed once the defendant provides proof that they had a valid license at the time of the charge. But keep in mind that even if the charges are dismissed, you’ll still be obligated to pay certain administrative costs and fines to the court.
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license puts your vehicle at risk along with your license. Police may impound your car or truck after charging you with the crime. You’ll ultimately be responsible for daily impound fees and other costs related to the towing.
Court costs and fees are typically required when defending against a charge of driving without a license.
Driving without a valid license is a crime and will thus form a part of your criminal record as a misdemeanor.
As with many other traffic violations in Ohio, driving without a license could lead to serious insurance consequences, such as higher premiums or a failure to procure insurance coverage. This is especially true if you get in a crash without a license. Other aggravating factors might include drinking while driving and reckless driving.
Driving without a license doesn’t cause you to get points on your driving record at first. However, the state of Ohio goes after repeat offenders forcefully. Subsequent offenses of driving without a license can and will likely lead to points.
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Don’t accept the prosecution’s charges. Get Gounaris Abboud to fight the charges for you. Call for a free consultation today.
When facing a criminal traffic charge, you need professionals who dedicate their efforts to fighting Ohio State traffic charges. The experienced attorneys at Gounaris Abboud are ready to defend your liberties with effective advocacy. Here’s how we can help.
When you choose Gounaris Abboud, you get a law firm with:
Yes. The circumstances of your case may allow for your traffic defense lawyer to negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction of your charges. With a strong case, the charges could also be dismissed altogether.
Ohio law does provide for limited exceptions that allow drivers to drive without a license in emergency circumstances. To determine whether you qualify for one, speak with an experienced traffic charge attorney.
If you drive with an expired out-of-state license, you risk being caught and charged with a crime. Hence, you should renew your license or apply for one in Ohio.
Ohio’s driving laws apply to both residents and non-residents, meaning drivers from other states can be charged with driving without a license and face serious consequences.
