Fort Worth Driving While License Invalid Defense Attorney

Skilled Defense Lawyer for Charges of Driving While License Invalid in Fort Worth, TX

Texas has strict laws pertaining to the rules of the road. If you are caught driving with a suspended, revoked, or otherwise canceled driver's license, you could face criminal charges with the possibility of serious misdemeanor penalties. To protect your rights in cases like these, reach out to a Fort Worth driving while license invalid defense attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can review the circumstances behind the charge and traffic stop to see what defenses may apply. Attorney Edwardo Meza has years of experience handling traffic violations and other criminal charges, giving him clear insights into how to protect clients in court.

What Counts as Driving on an Invalid License in Fort Worth, Texas?

Driving on an invalid license in Texas means operating a motor vehicle on a public road after the state has taken away or restricted your right to drive. Many people are surprised to learn their license is no longer valid, especially when a suspension came from an unpaid ticket, a missed court date, or an insurance issue. Prosecutors may bring this charge if a person drives:

• After the license has been canceled and no new license has been issued
• During a period when the license is suspended or revoked
• While the license is expired, if it expired during a suspension period
• While a court or agency order prohibits the person from getting a license

Officers often discover an invalid license during a routine traffic stop. A quick records check can turn a minor stop for speeding or a broken taillight into a criminal charge. Common reasons for a suspension include failing to maintain auto insurance, a DWI arrest or conviction, repeated traffic convictions, or unpaid child support.

What Are the Penalties for Driving on an Invalid License?

Driving on an invalid license is usually a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. A Class C charge carries a fine of up to $500 and no jail time. Still, a conviction can lead to a longer suspension and make it harder to get back on the road legally.

Certain circumstances raise the charge to a Class B misdemeanor. These include a prior conviction for driving on an invalid license, driving without required auto insurance at the time of the offense, or having a license that was previously suspended for a DWI-related offense. A Class B conviction can lead to up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

The charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor when the driver had no insurance and caused or was at fault in a crash that seriously injured or killed another person. A Class A conviction carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.

Defenses Against Driving on an Invalid License in Fort Worth

Defending a charge of driving on an invalid license often comes down to what the driver knew about the status of the license. Texas law provides an affirmative defense when the person never received actual notice of the cancellation, suspension, revocation, or prohibition. The law presumes notice was received if it was mailed properly. However, a driver can challenge that presumption by showing they had moved to a new address before the notice arrived, unless the notice was forwarded. This defense does not apply to every suspension. Some suspensions take effect automatically after certain convictions, and lack of notice will not excuse driving in those cases.

Other defenses may also apply. The state must prove you were operating the vehicle on a public road. An officer also needs a valid legal reason for the traffic stop, and evidence from an unlawful stop may be challenged. Records errors happen as well, and a license may have been reinstated without the database being updated. In some cases, getting the license reinstated before the court date can lead to a better outcome.

Meet With a Fort Worth, Texas Driving While License Invalid Defense Lawyer

A charge for driving on an invalid license can seem minor, but the consequences can follow you long after the case ends. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we look closely at your driving record, the notice you received, and the facts of the stop. Contact our Fort Worth, TX driving while license invalid defense attorney or call us at 817-732-6392 to schedule a free consultation.