Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas
driving while license suspended
i found out i have a warrant for driving while license suspended that is about 8 years old. i have talked to a bondsman and am going to turn myself in, and bond out. should i go with a public defender? also, what would i do to get the charge dropped, or to maybe get deferred adjudication if available. what are the penalties for this charge? i'm just wanting to find out before i go to jail and begin the process. is there a way to take care of it without going to jail? thanks for your help.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: driving while license suspended
There is some caselaw that says that if a person is easily located and in the state, that a delay in executing a warrant, is grounds for dismissal.
Speak with a criminal defense atty in your county to determine your options. I recommend that you not go this alone.
Re: driving while license suspended
DWLS is a Class B Misdemeanor. The range of punishment is up to 6 months in the county jail, a fine up to $2000.00 or both. Yes, Deferred Adjudication is a possibility depending on several factors, and if it goes that far. Howevever, there is case law that could cause this warrant to be dismissed. With regard to a public defender vs. hire your own attorney, I would hire my own attorney if I could afford to do so, and I would seek out several criminal defense attornerys in my area and talk with them till I could choose the one that feels comfortable to me. Good Luck.
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