Driving While License Suspended Or Invalid In Texas

A man with a beard and neatly styled hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and green tie, poses against a plain background.
Trey Porter
In this article:

Driving While License Suspended Or Invalid In Texas

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR INVALID IN TEXASDriving While License Invalid (DWLI) is a criminal offense in Texas. Individuals operating a motor vehicle when their Driver’s License is invalid, suspended, revoked, denied, or canceled can be stopped by law enforcement and cited or arrested for DWLI. Learn more. 

  • Can you drive with a suspended license in Texas?Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with a suspended license, you can be charged with DWLI and face fines and jail time.
  • Is driving without a license a felony in Texas?Driving with a suspended or invalid license in Texas is not a felony. DWLI is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. However repeat offenders can face enhanced charges with severe penalties.

TEXAS LAWYERS FOR SUSPENDED DRIVER’S LICENSE

Driving with a suspended or invalid license is a serious offense in Texas. If arrested or charged with driving without a driver’s license or with a canceled license in Texas it is critical to contact a lawyer immediately. 

  • Can I check my Texas drivers license status online?The Texas Department of Public Safety website offers real-time driver eligibility information online. Learn more. 
  • How much does a suspended license lawyer cost in Texas?The cost for DWLI representation in Texas varies. There are a number of fees associated with DWLI from court costs to DPS fees. A powerful defense can be expensive, but well worth it to avoid the harsh penalties of a criminal conviction.

HOW SERIOUS ARE PENALTIES FOR DRIVING WITH SUSPENDED LICENSE IN TEXAS?

Driving While License Invalid is a Class C misdemeanor in Texas. A person can be arrested, cited, and fined for DWLI. The Texas Department of Public Safety can also impose additional consequences on a person’s driver license.

  • Can you go to jail for no driver’s license in Texas?First-time offenders for DWLI face no jail time. Subsequent charges for driving with a suspended license result in up to one year in jail, fines, court costs, and other penalties.
  • How long can your license be suspended in Texas?Driving privileges in Texas are suspended for one year after a conviction for DWLI. In addition to a one year suspension, Texas DWLI penalties include fines, court costs, court ordered classes, and a significant increase in insurance premiums.
  • How much is a DWLI in Texas?A conviction for DWLI in Texas costs thousands, and often more than ten thousand, dollars in fines, fees, and increased insurance costs. It is critical to do everything possible to avoid a final conviction for Driving While License Invalid in Texas. 
  • How do you get around a suspended license?In Texas, once a driver’s license has been suspended or otherwise canceled, the only option available is to obtain a Texas Occupational License. Learn more.
  • How do I check my Texas surcharges?On September 1, 2019, the DPS Driver Responsibility Program was repealed. This act eliminated all past and future DPS surcharges.

WHAT IS DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID ENHANCED IN TEXAS?

A DWLI charge can be enhanced to a Class A or Class B misdemeanor if you have a previous DWLI conviction, do not have valid insurance, or are involved in an accident. An enhanced DWLI charge results in up to one year in jail, fines, court costs, and other penalties. 

  • What is DWLI with a prior conviction in Texas? A second DWLI offense can be upgraded to a Class B misdemeanor. The subsequent DWLI conviction results in a longer suspension of driving privileges, thousands of dollars in fines, and up to 6 months in jail.
  • What is DWLI with accident in Texas? If you are involved in a crash with a suspended Texas driver’s license, you could face a DWLI enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by a lengthier driver’s license suspension, thousands of dollars in fines, and up to 1 year in jail.

CAN A LAWYER HELP ME GET MY LICENSE BACK?

If your license is suspended, it’s imperative to speak with a lawyer about your options. An experienced attorney can help navigate the courts and Texas DPS to reinstate your driving privileges as soon as possible. 

  • What is an Occupational Driver License in Texas?An Occupational Driver License (ODL) is a special type of Texas Driver License that allows individuals to drive legally during a period of suspension. Learn more.
  • Do I need a lawyer to get an occupational license in Texas?The most time efficient way to obtain an occupational license in Texas is to hire an experienced attorney who can determine eligibility, gather all necessary documentation, petition the appropriate court, and promptly appear before the court to obtain a judge’s signed order.
  • What is an SR22 in Texas?Texas drivers who have suspended licenses due to certain violations are required to file an SR22 form with the Texas Department of Public Safety. An SR22 is a form filed by an insurance company on behalf of a driver, supplementing existing auto insurance. SR-22 is required to obtain an Occupational Driver License in Texas.

TREY PORTER NAMED BEST LAWYER IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Trey Porter is a dynamic advocate, nationally recognized for his work in Criminal Defense. He has been voted by his peers as a best lawyer in the field of Criminal and DWI Defense every year since 2015. Recognized by SuperLawyers, Mr. Porter has also been distinguished as a Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Porter holds a Superb rating from AVVO, where attorneys are rated based on skillful litigation, client satisfaction, peer endorsements, and positive results. Learn more.

 

Did like a post? Share it with:
A man with a beard and neatly styled hair, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and green tie, poses against a plain background.

Trey Porter

Trey Porter is one of the highest-rated criminal defense attorneys in Texas. Nationally recognized, Mr. Porter relentlessly fights to protect and assert his clients’ constitutional rights in and out of courtrooms across the state.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, it’s time to start building your defense.

Related Posts

Let's Get Legal on YouTube!

Tune In for Legal Tips, Laughs, and Learning

Explore More Legal Adventures: Discover Related Posts

Discover Related Posts

Categories

Explore Our Legal Categories

constitutional rights

CRIMINAL CHARGES

DRIVER'S LICENSES

DWI CHARGES

EXPUNGEMENT

FELONY CHARGES

MISDEMEANOR CHARGES

PROBATION

Testimonials

What our clients think about us

Unlock the Perks of Choosing Us!

 

Request
a free consultation

Contact Trey Porter Today

The stakes are high. Criminal charges can have devastating, lifelong consequences. During the free, confidential consultation, Mr. Porter will answer questions surrounding your legal matter, and discuss and identify potential defenses.
Contact Trey Porter Today
Request a free consultation