Most people who live in or near New York and drive in New York regularly are well aware of the increase in vigilance related to many different traffic violations. More speed zones have been created, traffic cameras installed and even speed limits lowered throughout the city limits. However, speeding is not the only violation to be receiving attention. Drivers must remain aware of the risk of other citations or problems that can result in points on your license, a felony charge, fines, and even jail sentences.
There can be many reasons that drivers find themselves subject to license suspensions or drivers’ license revocation. In some cases, drivers may not even know that their driving privileges have been suspended or revoked. This, however, does not prevent them from the potential consequences associated with driving without a valid license. Drivers found to be doing so can be given tickets for aggravated unlicensed operation or AUO.
Under New York law, an AUO is a criminal offense with harsh penalties. Depending on specific circumstances, a driver can be charged with a first-degree AUO. This is handled as a felony in the state of New York and carries with it the potential for time to be spent in state prison as well as fines ranging up to $5,000. For second- or third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation violations, fines are given up to $500 and jail time may be ordered up to 180 days for a second-degree offense and up to 30 days for a third-degree offense.
At Martin A. Kron & Associates, we know how to help people who have been found driving with active license suspensions. Talking to an attorney may offer some help at these times.