NYC Desk Appearance Ticket Attorneys

Suspended License/Unlicensed Driving (VTL 511, VTL 509)

Click here to learn more about Desk Appearance Tickets, generally.

 

Desk Appearance Tickets for driving with a suspended license (VTL 511) are very common.  The charge is an unclassified misdemeanor and should not be taken lightly as a conviction for this charge can result in a criminal record, fines, probation or even jail time. Generally speaking, though, the most pressing concern is restoring driving privileges. Many individuals have made the regrettable and avoidable mistake of casually pleading guilty to this charge thinking that it is the equivalent of a traffic ticket, when in fact such a plea can result in a criminal record and the loss of one's employment. Also, one should understand that even if one has a non-New York driver's license, one can still be convicted of this charge (and suffer licensure consequences in his or her home state) for driving in the state of New York with suspended New York driving privileges. 

 

A suspended license is often the result of a failure to pay a speeding ticket or to maintain proper proof of vehicular insurance. Sometimes, a failure to pay child support can also result in a suspension of driving privileges. Typically, we have been able to negotiate plea bargains involving non-criminal convictions (i.e. violations for VTL 509, for example) or even adjournments in contemplation of dismissal for our clients that agree to pay the outstanding fines to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and pay small fines to the criminal court. 

 

The potential penalties from this Desk Appearance Ticket:

Up to 90 days in jail.

Up to 1 year of probation.

Fines.

Revocation of driving privileges.