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Two Dallas police officers received suspensions this week for failing to pay the state’s surcharge for driving violations. Officer Brandon Sampson got a 10 day suspension after internal investigators found that he had driven a squad carat least 16 times with a suspended license. The other officer Larvtha Shepard, received a one week suspension after records showed he drove a squad car at least four times duringthe period his license was suspended.

The officers travails show that anyone can be tripped up by the failed state law that levied heavy penalties for some traffic violations. Most people haven’t paid up, and there is sentimentin Austin for repealing the law, but DPD leaders say officers should be held to a higher standard.

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Sprinklers left on along Griffin Street near Woodall Rodgers Freeway caused icy roads and ice covered plants on Wednesday. Dallas and other North Texas cities prohibit watering that causes ice to form on streets and fines can run to more than $1000 a day. Many cities also require freeze sensors for newer sprinkler systems.

Dallas Criminal Defense, JR-Lawyers 4925 Greenville Ave, Suite 711 Suite 4, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 453-0518 Dallas Criminal Lawyer | Dallas Criminal Attorney | Dallas Attorney | Dallas Drug Attorney | Dallas DWI Attorney | Dallas Traffic Ticket Attorney | Dallas Juvenile Attorney | Dallas Assault Attorney | Dallas Manslaughter Attorney | Dallas Murder Attorney | Dallas White Collar Criminal Attorney | Google Plus

Having a suspended license in Texas is very difficult. Most everyone needs to get around by car, to work, school, and to get by everyday. Having to depend on other people for transportation can be a tremendous hardship.

Being charged with driving on a suspended license, and facing criminal charges makes it even worse. If you have been stopped for driving without a valid license in Dallas, suspended or revoked, call me for a consultation today.

The chart below displays the penalties for operating a vehicle

(1) after being refused a license,
(2) with a suspended or revoked license or right to operate,
(3) without a license or in violation of the licensing provisions, and
(4) without reinstating a suspended license or renewing an expired license.

The fines listed are the ranges specified by statute and do not include additional fees and charges that a violator must pay.

Penalties for Operating Vehicles Without a License or With Suspended or Revoked License or Right to Operate

Statute
1st Offense
Subsequent Offenses

Operating vehicle after being refused a license or with suspended or revoked license or right to operate

(CGS §§ 14-215(a), (b), and 14-111(b), PA 05-215, §§ 2, 4)
• Up to 90 days in prison

• $ 150 to $ 200 fine

• License suspended at least one year
• Up to one year in prison

• $ 200 to $ 600 fine

• License suspended at least two years

• If previously violated these provisions or operated without obtaining a license: additional fine of up to $ 500 or up to 100 community service hours

• If two previous violations of those provisions: additional mandatory 90 days in prison

Table: continued

Penalties for Operating Vehicles Without a License or With Suspended or Revoked License or Right to Operate

Statute
1st Offense
Subsequent Offenses

Operating vehicle while license suspended or revoked for:

• driving while intoxicated

• 2nd degree manslaughter or assault with a motor vehicle (both involve driving while intoxicated)

• violating the implied consent law

(CGS §§ 14-215(c), 14-111(b), PA 05-215, § 2)
• Up to one year in prison

• 30 day mandatory minimum sentence unless the court finds mitigating circumstances

• $ 500 to $ 1,000 fine

• License suspended at least one year
• Same prison term and fine as 1st offense

• License suspended at least two years

Operating vehicle when license or right to operate is suspended for failing to appear in court, pay, or send in not a guilty plea for a motor vehicle infraction and certain violations

(CGS § 14-215a)
• Up to 90 days in prison

• $ 150 to $ 200 fine
• Up to one year in prison

• $ 200 to $ 600 fine

Operating a vehicle without a license, violating the driving requirements for 16- and 17-year olds, driving when under age 16, or violating other licensing provisions

(CGS § 14-36(h), PA 05-215, § 3))
• Infraction with a $ 75 to $ 90 fine
• Up to 30 days in prison

• $ 250 to $ 350 fine

• If previously violated these provisions or operated with refused, suspended, or revoked registration or license: additional fine up to $ 500 or up to 100 community service hours

• If two previous violations of those provisions: additional mandatory 90 days in prison

Operating a vehicle without reinstating license after suspension

(PA 05-215, § 1)
• Within 60 days of the suspension ending: Infraction with a $ 75 fine

• After 60 days: same penalties described above for operating without a license

Operating a vehicle after license expires (CGS § 14-41)
• Within 60 days of expiration: Infraction with $ 75 fine

• After 60 days: same penalties described above for operating without a license

In addition to these specific statutes and penalties, the motor vehicles commissioner has authority to suspend or revoke licenses and the right to operate vehicles in the state for sufficient cause, with or without a hearing (CGS § 14-111(a)).

Dallas Criminal Defense, JR-Lawyers 4925 Greenville Ave, Suite 711 Suite 4, Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 453-0518 Dallas Criminal Lawyer | Dallas Criminal Attorney | Dallas Attorney | Dallas Drug Attorney | Dallas DWI Attorney | Dallas Traffic Ticket Attorney | Dallas Juvenile Attorney | Dallas Assault Attorney | Dallas Manslaughter Attorney | Dallas Murder Attorney | Dallas White Collar Criminal Attorney | Google Plus