No matter the reason, getting pulled over by police is a stressful experience. But if your license is suspended, that simple traffic stop can turn into something far more serious, fast. The Gross Law Group team understands how overwhelming it can be to face a charge like this, and we’re here to help guide you through it. If you’ve been charged with driving while your license was suspended or revoked in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know:

What Does It Mean to Drive on a Suspended License?

In North Carolina, driving on a suspended license (aka Driving While License Revoked (DWLR)) is a criminal offense. Your license can be suspended for various reasons, including:

• Failing to appear in court
• Failing to pay court fines or fees
• Accumulating too many DMV points
• A prior DWI or other serious traffic offense

Once your license is revoked or suspended, driving again without properly reinstating it is illegal, no matter how necessary it may feel to get to work, pick up your kids, or run errands.

The Consequences Can Be Severe

DWLR is not just a traffic ticket. It’s a misdemeanor offense, and depending on the circumstances, the penalties can vary.

Standard DWLR

If your license was revoked for reasons unrelated to impaired driving, you’re typically facing a Class 3 misdemeanor, which may include:

• Fines
• Court costs
• Probation
• Up to 20 days in jail (for repeat offenders)

DWLR – Impaired Revocation

If your license was revoked due to a DWI-related offense, you could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries harsher penalties, such as:

• Higher fines
• Mandatory jail time
• Extended license revocation
• Potential impact on future DWI charges

What to Do if You’re Charged

The most important thing you can do? Take the charge seriously. Many people assume this is a minor issue, but it can spiral into something much worse if ignored. At The Gross Law Group, we work to protect your rights and minimize the consequences. Here’s how you can help yourself:

• Don’t miss court. Missing your court date can result in additional charges and a longer suspension.
• Get legal advice ASAP. Every case is different, and an experienced defense lawyer, like Attorney David Gross, can help navigate your options.

Can You Get the Charge Dismissed?

Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to get your charge reduced or dismissed, especially if:

• You didn’t know your license was suspended.
• You’ve since resolved the suspension.
• You have no prior convictions.

We’ll examine all the evidence and fight for the best possible outcome in court.

Don’t Let One Mistake Derail Your Future

At The Gross Law Group, we know life doesn’t stop just because you’re license has been revoked. Whether your suspension was a misunderstanding or a consequence of a past mistake, we’re here to help you move forward, not get stuck in the system.

If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended license in Wilmington or anywhere in southeastern North Carolina, contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s get you back on the road, legally!