DUI While Driving Without a License in Columbia

An individual charged with driving without a driver’s license is facing up to 30 days in jail. If they are also charged with driving under the influence, then they will have another criminal charge that they have to deal with at the same time. However, a DUI while driving without a license in Columbia somewhat further proves that a person was possibly driving in a reckless manner.

If you have been charged with a DUI while driving without a driver’s license, contact an accomplished DUI lawyer who can review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Driving Without a License Impact on Negotiations

Getting caught with driving without a license is just a factor and not necessarily an aggravating factor. However, the judge and prosecutor will not be happy that the individual was not driving legally in the first place on top of being arrested for a DUI. When trying to reduce the charges during the negotiations, the prosecutor and judge are going to be considering the driving without a driver’s license factor as well. The person was not legally driving, so why should the prosecutor or judge reduce the charge. The main impact of multiple charges is that it may hinder the possibility of reducing an offense to a lesser charge.

Are Unlicensed Driving and DUI Charges Separate Cases?

A DUI while driving without a license in Columbia is typically going to result in separate charges. However, it depends on whether it is a magistrate municipal court versus general session court and whether it is a trial. If it is a trial for a DUI, a seasoned defense attorney will try to make a motion for severance as they want to sever the DUI charge from the driving without a license offense.

This is because the jurors may feel that because the defendant did not have a valid license, they may also believe that it was more likely the person was driving under the influence. Due to this prejudicial nature, the defendant’s lawyer should make a motion to sever it. However, it is possible that both charges will be heard at the same time and disposed at the same time and place.

Suspended License Penalties in Columbia

Someone caught driving with a basic suspended license is going to face similar penalties as an unlicensed driver. It is still a misdemeanor and the individual is facing up to 30 days for a first offense. If an individual’s driver’s license was suspended due to a prior DUI conviction, then that charge is enhanced and there is a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail and up to 30 days in jail. Driving without a license would normally have no mandatory minimum sentence, but if the prior suspension resulted from a DUI conviction, then the person would be facing this second arrest with a minimum of 10 days in jail.

If you have been charged with a DUI while driving without a license in Columbia, it may be in your best interests to reach out to an experienced lawyer. An attorney could stand by your side and advocate on your behalf during the process.