Driving on a Suspended License in North Dakota

In North Dakota, your license can be suspended or revoked for certain criminal convictions, failing to appear in court, and a number of other reasons. And if you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a criminal offense.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

The circumstances that can lead to license suspension or revocation in North Dakota include:

• vehicular homicide
• misdemeanor driving offenses where someone was seriously injured
• using a vehicle in the commission of a felony
• making a false statement to the Department of Transportation about owning or operating a vehicle
• being deemed incompetent to drive
• using a driver's license unlawfully or fraudulently
• driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• refusing to submit to an alcohol test in violation of the state's implied consent laws
• failing to pay a fine or serve a sentence for a criminal traffic offense
• failing to appear for a criminal court hearing in certain circumstances, or
• being convicted of an offense that contributed to an accident in which someone was killed or injured or property was seriously damaged.

But these are just some of the situations that can lead to the loss of driving privileges—your license can also be suspended or revoked for other reasons.

Reinstating Your License

Once your suspension or revocation period is complete, you typically need to pay a reinstatement fee of $25, $50, or $100 before you'll be allowed to legally drive again. And, depending on the circumstances, there might be other conditions or requirements to getting your license back.

Criminal Charges for Driving After Suspension or Revocation

If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you can be charged with a class B or class A misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a class B misdemeanor if it is your first, second, or third offense within a five-year period. A class B misdemeanor carries:

• up to 30 days in jail, and
• a maximum $1,500 fine.

You can be charged with a class A misdemeanor for a fourth or subsequent offense within a five-year period. Class A misdemeanors carry:

• up to 360 days in jail, and
• a maximum $3,000 fine.

If your license was suspended or revoked due to certain offenses, including DUI and offenses for which revocation is mandatory, you'll face a mandatory minimum of four days in jail. In addition to criminal penalties for driving on a suspended or revoked license, your license plates may be impounded and your license may be suspended or revoked for a longer period of time.

Legal Help for Driving After Suspension or Revocation

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense that carries severe penalties. If you've been arrested for one of these offenses, it's a good idea to contact an experienced defense attorney. A qualified lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your case and advise you on how best to handle your situation.