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Kyle H. Jarzmik Law
770-676-3565

Defending Your Rights And Your Recovery

Attorney Kyle H. Jarzmik

Atlanta Attorney Defending You Against Driving Without A Valid License

Last updated on December 2, 2025

If you are facing charges for operating a vehicle in Georgia without a valid license or while your driving privileges are suspended, you need immediate legal defense. These are serious traffic offenses that can lead to jail time, fines and further suspension of your license.

I am criminal defense lawyer Kyle H. Jarzmik. At my law firm, I am committed to protecting your rights and working to restore your driving privileges. Contact me at Kyle H. Jarzmik Law, today to arrange a consultation regarding your driving without a license case in the metro Atlanta area.

Understanding Driving Under Suspension (DUS) In Georgia

Driving with a suspended, revoked or otherwise invalid license in Georgia carries significant weight. In most situations, an arrest will lead to time in jail, requiring you to post bond for release. While rare, an officer may issue a citation instead if another licensed driver can take possession of the vehicle.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) can invalidate a license for several reasons, including:

  • Failure to appear (FTA): Missing a mandatory court date.
  • Child support noncompliance: Not meeting the obligations of a court-ordered child support mandate.
  • Point accumulation: Earning 15 or more points on your driving record within a 24-month period.
  • DUI-related actions: Refusal to submit to state-administered chemical testing (breath/blood) following a DUI arrest.
  • Mandatory suspensions: Convictions for severe violations like DUI, fleeing police, hit-and-run, racing or driving without insurance.
  • Unsatisfied civil judgments: Suspension initiated by an opposing party due to nonpayment of a civil judgment.

One of my top priorities as a criminal defense attorney is preventing the DDS from taking your license, no matter the reason for it.

Exploring License Reinstatement

Obtaining a valid driver’s license after an arrest or ticket is not a formal legal defense, but it can often help to achieve a favorable resolution. In some Georgia courts, prosecutors will consider dismissing the driving while suspended or driving without a license charge upon proof of a currently valid license. Other courts may agree to amend the charge to a less severe, nonsuspending traffic offense, such as driving with no license on a person. They might also agree to drop the statutory fine.

Remember, a guilty plea to a charge of driving while your license is suspended results in an immediate six-month suspension of your license with no eligibility for a limited driving permit.

The Legal Ramifications In Georgia

Georgia Code Sections 40-5-121 and 40-5-20 clearly define the penalties for driving without proper licensure:

  • First conviction (misdemeanor): Two days to 12 months of incarceration, plus a fine between $500 and $1,000.
  • Second or third conviction within five years (high and aggravated misdemeanor): Ten days to 12 months of imprisonment, and a fine between $1,000 and $2,500.
  • Fourth or subsequent conviction within five years (felony): One year to five years of imprisonment, and a fine between $2,500 and $5,000.

If you are facing these serious consequences, steadfast legal representation from a driving without a valid license lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Protect Your License: Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney Today

When you need to stay on the road, you need Kyle H. Jarzmik Law. Please reach out to me to schedule a completely free, confidential consultation. Call my Atlanta office toll-free at 770-676-3565 or send me an email today.