Driving Under Suspension in Toledo - What You Need to Know

Driving Under Suspension in Toledo? Here’s What You Need to Know

Getting pulled over while your driver’s license is suspended can lead to more than just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal offense in Ohio (usually a misdemeanor) that could result in jail time, fines, extended suspension periods, and serious consequences for your ability to drive in the future.

If you’ve been charged with Driving Under Suspension (DUS) in Toledo or anywhere in Lucas County, it’s important to understand the law, your rights, and how an experienced defense attorney can help you fight the charge—or at least minimize the damage.

At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we represent drivers facing DUS and other license-related violations throughout Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Oregon, and surrounding areas.

What Is Driving Under Suspension in Ohio?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 4510.11, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor to operate a vehicle when your driver’s license has been suspended.

There are several types of driver’s license suspensions in Ohio, including:

·      Court-ordered suspension (e.g., from a DUI or traffic conviction)

·      Failure to appear in court

·      Failure to pay fines or child support

·      Driving without insurance

·      12-point suspension (from accumulating too many points on your license)

·      Administrative license suspension (ALS) from a DUI-related offense

Depending on the type of suspension and your prior history, the penalties can range from minor inconvenience to serious jail time.

Penalties for Driving Under Suspension in Toledo

Driving under suspension is typically a misdemeanor of the first degree (M1), which carries:

·      Up to 180 days in jail

·      Up to $1,000 in fines

·      Impoundment or immobilization of your vehicle

·      Extended suspension of your license

·      Possible probation, community service, or reinstatement requirements

In some cases, DUS can be charged as a higher-level misdemeanor or even a felony—especially if:

·      You have prior DUS convictions

·      You were involved in an accident while driving under suspension

·      You were driving without insurance

·      The suspension was for DUI or a criminal offense

What Prosecutors Must Prove

To convict you of Driving Under Suspension in Ohio, the prosecutor must prove:

1.    You were operating a motor vehicle;

2.    Your license was under suspension at the time.

If any of these elements are missing or weak, your attorney may be able to fight the charge through:

·      Lack of proper notice of the suspension

·      Administrative or court error

·      Mistaken identity or unlawful stop

Common Defenses to Driving Under Suspension

Every case is different, but some possible defenses include:

·      Your license had already been reinstated but not updated in the system;

·      The stop was illegal, such as lacking probable cause or conducted without a valid reason;

·      You weren’t the driver, or there was a misunderstanding about who was operating the vehicle;

·      You qualify for driving privileges, and the officer misunderstood your license status.

We carefully examine every piece of evidence—including the officer’s report, dashcam footage, and BMV records—to build the best possible defense.

Why You Shouldn’t Just Plead Guilty

Many people facing DUS charges think it’s easiest to just plead guilty, pay the fine, and move on. But doing so could result in:

·      A permanent criminal record

·      Loss of insurance or higher premiums

·      Further suspension of your license

·      Missed opportunities to reduce or dismiss the charge

We often help clients negotiate reductions, avoid jail, or secure driving privileges while the case is pending.

What About Limited Driving Privileges?

If your license is suspended but you need to drive for work, school, or medical reasons, you may be eligible for limited driving privileges through the court. This allows you to drive under specific conditions, even while your license is technically suspended.

We help clients apply for and obtain court-ordered driving privileges in Lucas County and Toledo Municipal Court, including:

·      Drafting and filing the petition

·      Coordinating with the BMV

·      Arguing your need before the judge

How We Can Help

At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, we work to:

·      Investigate the basis for your suspension

·      Determine whether you received proper notice

·      Negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal

·      Help you understand the steps to reinstate your license, if possible

·      Request limited driving privileges

·      Fight for your rights in court

Whether this is your first offense or you’ve been charged before, we take your case seriously and pursue every available legal option.

Don’t Let a License Suspension Ruin Your Future

If you’ve been charged with Driving Under Suspension in Toledo, Maumee, Oregon, or anywhere in Lucas County, you need a knowledgeable traffic defense attorney to protect your license and your record.

📞 Call Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law at (419) 830-7441

🌐 Visit www.brianmorrisseylaw.com

📧 Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com

We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and fight to help you get back on the road legally and safely.