In New York, if you are driving while your license is suspended or revoked, it is “Aggravated Unlicensed Operation” (AUO). Penalties for AUO depend on the degree of the crime.
Penalties for AUO
The three degrees of AUO and its penalties are:
Third Degree AUO: If you are driving with knowledge that your license has been suspended or revoked, then you will be charged under third degree AUO. Penalties include maximum fines up to $500 and 30 days jail time.
Second degree AUO: Second degree AUO includes failure to pay fines or appear in court for your AUO hearing. Second degree AUO also includes being accused of repeated traffic violations or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Penalties include at least a $500 fine and jail time up to 180 days.
First degree AUO: First degree AUO is when you are operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and have a record of second degree AUO offenses. Penalties include up to $5000 in fines, and undefined jail time or probation.
New York Criminal Defense Attorney
Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is illegal. It is advised to consult an experienced NY criminal defense attorney. Attorney Paul D. Petrus Jr., a criminal defense attorney in NY, can handle any type of criminal defense case. If you need assistance for your AUO case, then contact the Law Office of Paul D. Petrus Jr. and Associates, P.C. at 212-564-2440. You can also send an email to paul@petruslaw.com .