Phoenix Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer

Trusted Driving on a Suspended License Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

Getting pulled over while your license is suspended could lead to a whole new criminal case on top of whatever issue caused you to lose your license. Arizona drivers cannot operate a vehicle on a public highway while their driver’s license is suspended. If you were cited after being stopped on I-10, I-17, Loop 202, or any other street or roadway in Phoenix, a Phoenix driving on a suspended license lawyer can examine the reasons your license was suspended.

Why Choose Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

Attorney Joshua Davidson of Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm understands how prosecutors view criminal cases and traffic offenses. As a former prosecutor himself with close to three decades of experience, he knows what evidence is used to support charges and how violations can affect a person’s life. Your case may be evaluated based on your driving record, the reason for the underlying suspension, and all of the evidence related to the alleged crime.

Arizona Law on Driving With a Suspended License

In fiscal year 2026, Arizona saw 5,991,602 licensed drivers, up from the 5,971,045 recorded in fiscal year 2025. However, ARS § 28-3473 focuses on driving while your license is revoked, suspended, refused, or canceled. The statute makes it illegal to drive on public roads when your license is under one of those restrictions. Violating this statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor. 

The penalties for driving on a suspended license include fines and jail time. Because it is a criminal offense, you could be sentenced to jail instead of receiving a civil traffic ticket. Under ARS § 13-707, a Class 1 misdemeanor has a jail sentence of up to six months.

The court determines your sentence based on the facts and any other relevant statutes. Your license can also take longer to reinstate depending on why it was suspended originally.

Why a License Can Be Suspended

Many reasons exist for Arizona driver’s license suspensions. Arizona’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) notes the difference between having a license suspended versus revoked. When your license is suspended, you lose your driver’s license for a limited amount of time. 

Revoked licenses mean you lose your driver’s license permanently, though you may face a review process to obtain a new license once the statute allows it. Some common reasons for suspensions include:

• DUI convictions
• Specific insurance violations
• Court actions

Each reason has its own reinstatement process. Drivers should confirm that their suspension is lifted before driving again. 

Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona

Driving on a suspended license is a Class 1 misdemeanor. You could be sentenced to jail for six months as well as a $2,500 fine. Additional court costs and fees may apply. In addition to the driving on a suspended license penalties above, your vehicle could be taken as well. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, police can impound your car or truck for driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Remember that your original suspension still matters, too. Just because you contest or resolve the criminal charge doesn’t mean your license is going to be automatically reinstated. You could have additional requirements to complete through the MVD or the courts. 

Hire a Driving on a Suspended License Lawyer

If you hire a driving on a suspended license lawyer, they can look at the facts to see why your license was suspended and whether you truly violated that suspension. Your Phoenix driving on a suspended license attorney can go over your rights, look for evidence that may have been withheld by the police, and determine if your officer had probable cause to stop you. From there, they can develop a plan to resolve your driving on a suspended license case. 

Some individuals mistakenly believe that resolving the criminal charges immediately restores their driver’s license after the suspension period concludes. A lawyer can clarify the distinctions and guide you through the proceedings. 

FAQs

What Happens if You Get Caught Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona?

If you are caught driving on a suspended license in Arizona, you may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor unless the license was suspended for failing to appear, which is a civil traffic violation in Arizona. Penalties include criminal charges and impoundment of your car, truck, or motorcycle for 30 days. 

Should a Person Plead Guilty in a Driving on a Suspended License Case?

Whether or not you should plead guilty to driving on a suspended license depends on the circumstances of your case. Before choosing how to plead to driving on a suspended license, you should know why your license was suspended and what evidence exists that you drove while your license was suspended. Speak with an attorney as quickly as possible before entering a plea. 

How Do I Get My License Unsuspended in Arizona?

Getting your license unsuspended in Arizona depends on the reason for your license suspension. You could have to complete outstanding court requirements, submit documentation, complete a suspension period, file SR-22 insurance, or pay fees. 

In some cases, Arizona MVD has drivers complete their reinstatement through AZ MVD Now. You should confirm with your individual MVD record that completing your suspension time is enough to have your driver’s license restored. 

How Can I Get Around With a Suspended License in Arizona?

You could have options to get around with a suspended license in Arizona that do not include you driving. Don’t drive if you do not have valid driving privileges or a legally issued restricted permit. Driving may be restricted to and from work, school, or treatment depending on the type of permit you receive. Otherwise, consider public transportation, Ubers, taxis, or friends and family with valid licenses. 

Request a Consultation Today

Being caught driving on a suspended license can mean having a misdemeanor criminal case pending against you and leaving the underlying suspension issue unresolved. At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we defend Phoenix drivers who have criminal traffic charges. Contact us to begin discussing your case.