Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) means a driver operates a motor vehicle on a public road when the State of Michigan has legally prohibited them from doing so. Most people focus only on the fines but a DWLS conviction actually triggers a cascade of serious non-monetary consequences that deeply affect a person’s life and ability to drive legally in the future. Understanding these risks helps drivers protect their driving privileges.
New Mandatory Suspension
A conviction for DWLS automatically triggers an additional suspension of driving privileges. The Secretary of State imposes this mandatory new suspension regardless of the judge’s sentence. Essentially driving while suspended extends the time a person waits to get their license back creating a cycle of license issues.
Possible Jail Time
DWLS is a criminal misdemeanor offense. For a first offense a person faces up to 93 days in jail. A second or subsequent conviction dramatically increases the potential sentence. Second offenses carry up to one year in jail and a third offense carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison depending on the circumstances.
Vehicle Immobilization or Forfeiture
Michigan law grants the court power to order vehicle immobilization for up to 180 days after a DWLS conviction. If a person commits a second or subsequent DWLS offense within seven years the court must order vehicle forfeiture meaning the state permanently takes and sells the vehicle. This destroys a person’s transportation entirely.
Increased Insurance Costs
After a DWLS conviction insurance companies see the driver as a much higher risk. A person can expect their auto insurance premiums to skyrocket or even find it difficult to obtain coverage at all. High insurance costs become another significant financial burden long after the court case ends.
Protecting Your Future Driving Privileges
Dealing with a DWLS charge can be overwhelming. The courts and the Secretary of State handle these cases separately and procedural mistakes greatly lengthen a mandatory suspension or lead to incarceration.
With the proper legal support, drivers can understand Michigan’s complicated license system and criminal code to effectively challenge the charges and immediately pursue the path to license restoration.