Aggravated Unlicensed Operation VTL 511(1)
If you are unlucky enough to be stopped by the police while operating a motor vehicle in New York with a
suspended or revoked
license, chances are you will be arrested; brought to the local police precinct where you will be fingerprinted and photographed; and then taken to Central Booking where you will spend the night with men and women accused of crimes ranging from murder and rape - to riding a bicycle on the wrong side of the sidewalk; while you await arraignment before a judge.
The New York Vehicle and Traffic Law makes it a crime in New York to operate a motor vehicle while one's right to do so is suspended or revoked. VTL511(1)(a) states that a person is guilty of the offense of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree when such person operates a motor vehicle upon a public highway while knowing or having reason to know that such person's license or privilege of operating such motor vehicle in this state or
privileges of obtaining a license to operate such motor vehicle issued by the commissioner is suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by the commissioner.
If you are found guilty of, or plead guilty to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, you face fines of between $200 and $1,500; and you face up to 30 days in jail. Further, because it is a Misdemeanor, if you are found guilty or plead guilty you will then have a permanent criminal record.
If you are charged with VTL511 immediatley contact a motor vehicle crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights, as defenses may be available.