Nassau County Lawyer Seeking Justice on Behalf of Clients Accused of Driving on a Suspended License

It is a privilege—not a right—to drive in the state of New York. If your privileges are suspended or revoked, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle until they have been reinstated. Failing to obey this law could lead to serious criminal charges and penalties.

If you are charged with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license or registration, seek legal representation from experienced AUO lawyer Gianni Karmily at once.

When Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended or Revoked On Long Island?

There are a number of reasons why your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked in the state of New York, including:

• You did not meet the state’s minimum auto liability insurance coverage requirements.
• You were convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You have accumulated 11 or more points on your driving record within an 24-month period.
• You failed to pay traffic ticket fines or respond to traffic tickets.
• You failed to pay state taxes.
• You failed to pay child support.
• You did not fulfill your obligation to file a report for an accident.
• You made false statements when applying for a license or registration.

These are some of the many ways that your driving privileges could be suspended or revoked. The length of the suspension or revocation will vary depending on the nature of the offense. For example, if your license is suspended for failing to pay traffic ticket fines, paying these fines could remove the suspension. But if your license is suspended for a DWI conviction, it will remain suspended for a specific period of time.

What is Scofflaw?

In New York, drivers who fail to appear in response to a traffic summons or pay a fine imposed by the court will face a driver’s license suspension. To reinstate your driving privileges, you must pay a $70 “Scofflaw” fee in addition to whatever fines are owed to the court.

What is Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO)?

Based on new legislation, any aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) conviction will result in 11 points being imposed on your driver’s license in New York State.

There are three degrees of aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) offenses. Third-degree AUO is the crime of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. This is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to $500 in fines and 30 days in jail.

This crime becomes second-degree AUO if one of the following conditions is met:

• The defendant has another AUO conviction on their record from within the last 18 months.
• The defendant’s license was suspended or revoked because of a drug or alcohol-related driving offense such as DWI or DWAI.
• The defendant’s license was suspended pending the outcome of their alcohol-related criminal case.
• The defendant’s license has been suspended at least three times.

Second-degree AUO is a misdemeanor that is punishable by at least $500 in fines and up to 180 days in jail.

First-degree AUO occurs when someone operates a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license and also meets one of the following conditions:

• The defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the AUO crime.
• The defendant’s license has been suspended at least 10 times.
• The defendant’s license has been permanently revoked for refusing a chemical test or committing a drug or alcohol-related driving offense.

First-degree AUO is a class E felony, which carries a maximum of four years in prison in addition to $5,000 in fines.

What Are the Different Degrees of AUO in New York?

New York has three degrees of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation:

• Third Degree (AUO 3rd) – Driving while knowing your license is suspended or revoked. This is typically a misdemeanor.
• Second Degree (AUO 2nd) – Driving while your license is suspended or revoked under more serious conditions, such as having multiple suspensions, a suspension related to alcohol or drug offenses, or violating a conditional or restricted license. This is also a misdemeanor but carries higher penalties than third degree.
• First Degree (AUO 1st) – This is a Class E felony. It occurs when a person is driving with a suspended or revoked license and also meets one of the following conditions:
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the AUO crime.
  • The defendant’s license has been suspended at least 10 times.
  • The defendant’s license has been permanently revoked for refusing a chemical test or committing a drug or alcohol-related offense.

What Are The Penalties For Driving With a Suspended License?

Penalties depend on the degree of AUO (which determines whether the offense is a misdemeanor or felony) and your driving history, but they may include:

• Fines and mandatory court surcharges
• Possible jail time
• Additional license suspensions or revocations
• Vehicle impoundment in some cases

Why is My Driver’s License Suspended in New York?

A license may be suspended for several reasons, including:

• Unpaid traffic tickets or fines
• Failure to appear in traffic court
• Insurance lapses
• Too many points on your driving record
• DWI or alcohol-related offenses
• Failure to pay child support or DMV fees

Can You Be Arrested For Driving With a Suspended License on Long Island?

Yes. Because Aggravated Unlicensed Operation is a criminal offense in New York, police may arrest you during a traffic stop if you are found driving with a suspended or revoked license. Depending on the charge, you could face court appearances, fines, and possible jail time.

How Can I Reinstate My Suspended Driver’s License?

To reinstate a suspended license in New York, you generally must:

1. Resolve the underlying issue that caused the suspension (example: unpaid tickets or court cases).
2. Pay required fines, surcharges, or suspension-termination fees to the DMV or court.
3. Clear any additional suspensions listed on your driving record.

In some cases, complete the required programs such as defensive driving or alcohol education.

Can You Face Charges For Driving With A Suspended Registration?

Your license is not the only thing that can be suspended or revoked—your registration may be suspended or revoked as well. If you operate a motor vehicle while the certificate of registration is suspended or revoked, you could face misdemeanor charges. A conviction can lead to up to $100 in fines and 30 days in jail for first-time offenders. If you are convicted of this crime twice within an 18-month period, the penalties are increased to up to $200 in fines and 90 days in jail. If you commit this crime again, the penalties are increased again to up to $500 in fines and 180 days in jail.

How Do I Find a Suspended License Lawyer Near Me?

To find a suspended license lawyer near you:

1. Search online for “suspended license lawyer” or “AUO defense attorney” in your area.
2. Look for attorneys who focus on traffic defense or criminal traffic charges.
3. Review client ratings and case results to evaluate experience.
4. Schedule a case evaluation to discuss your suspension, possible defenses, and the steps needed to restore your license.

How Much Do Nassau County Auo Suspended License Defense Attorneys Cost?

One of the first questions that may cross your mind is, “How much will an Auo Suspended License defense lawyer cost?” The answer to this question can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the criminal charges, and the attorney’s experience in criminal law.

More complex cases involving serious crimes will require more of your attorney’s time, which means these cases will typically cost more than less serious offenses.

Auo Suspended License defense attorneys usually charge flat fees for their legal services. Most attorneys charge a flat fee to handle pre-litigation matters and another flat fee if the case goes to hearings or trial.

Nassau County, Long Island, NY, is not the place to “Price Shop” for an Auo Suspended License defense attorney. If you do that, you risk making a life-altering mistake that will haunt you forever. If a law firm charges less, always ask yourself the reason why they are a “Budget” law firm.

3 Reasons You Should Hire The Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC As Your Auo Suspended License Defense Attorney

1) Lifelong Criminal Defense Attorney

Unlike most criminal defense attorneys, Gianni Karmily has been on the defense side his entire life from even before becoming a lawyer. While in law school, he was an intern for the public defender’s office at the Legal Aid and Defender Association in Detroit, Michigan. After moving back to Nassau County, Long Island, New York, he has been looking forward every day to being the voice of individuals facing criminal charges, including those accused of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

There is a natural advantage to an attorney you hire who has not been on the prosecution side because they have a totally different mindset not susceptible to institutional bias, which makes you subconsciously conditioned to think in a certain way and accept certain things that could put your client in peril.

A lifelong criminal defense lawyer naturally possesses aggressive skepticism, which is an intense, active approach to questioning and challenging information, authority, and the system. That’s the reason they are best suited to effectively do their job, which is to be the voice of that person and aggressively push back to make sure the system doesn’t roll over them.

2) Direct Access

Gianni Karmily is the principal attorney of the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC. It is very important for our clients to be reassured that their AUO or suspended license case doesn’t get shuffled around from one lawyer to another lawyer and from one paralegal to another paralegal. That is the reason they deal directly with Gianni for every aspect of representation, including court dates, case updates, and questions about their suspended or revoked license charges. At the same time, Gianni regularly works with other experienced criminal defense attorneys and experts from different backgrounds to make sure he achieves the best result possible for all his clients.

3) Limit Number of Cases

The Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC is very thorough and doesn’t cut any corners when representing individuals accused of AUO or driving with a suspended or revoked license. That’s the reason the law firm limits the number of cases it takes each month in order for each case to receive the individualized attention it deserves and for Gianni to dedicate the adequate time required for a sound defense. Your case could affect your freedom, your career, and your future. Make sure you have an attorney with the experience and time to protect all three.

Schedule A Case Evaluation With Our Long Island AUO Defense Attorney Today

Have you been accused of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license or registration? Don’t make the mistake of assuming that this is a mere traffic violation—it’s a criminal offense. If you are facing these charges, contact Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC to discuss your legal options as soon as possible. Gianni is a skilled AUO attorney who has helped countless clients beat their charges in order to protect their freedom. To schedule a confidential case evaluation with the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, call our Great Neck office at (516) 630-3405 or our Hempstead office at (516) 614-4228.