What are the legal consequences if I get caught driving without a license?
December 5, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Falk
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need advice in a legal matter. My name is Christiane Kohlstein and I was recently caught driving my car without a valid driver's license. I would like to know what legal consequences I can expect now and how best to proceed.
For background information: My driver's license was revoked some time ago due to a violation of traffic rules. Since then, I have been trying to serve my punishment and fulfill the requirements for the reissuance of my driver's license. Unfortunately, I have not yet taken all the necessary steps to get my driver's license back.
The current situation is that I have been driving without a valid driver's license and have been caught. I am very concerned about the consequences this may have for me and how best to defend myself. I fear that I could face a high fine, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.
Therefore, my question to you is: What legal consequences can I expect if caught driving without a license? Are there ways to mitigate my punishment or avoid a potential prison sentence? What steps should I take now to improve my situation and prevent any negative consequences?
I am grateful for any help and support, and I hope for your competent advice in this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Christiane Kohlstein
Dear Mrs. Kohlstein,
thank you for your inquiry regarding your legal situation after being caught driving without a valid driver's license. This is certainly a serious matter that could have serious consequences. I will try to explain to you as comprehensively as possible what legal consequences you could expect and how you should best proceed.
If you participate in traffic without a valid driver's license, you are usually acting unlawfully or even criminally. In your case, as your driver's license has already been revoked, it is most likely a criminal offense under § 21 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG). This can be punished with a fine, a driving ban, or even imprisonment.
The exact amount of the fine and the duration of the driving ban depend on various factors, such as your criminal record, the circumstances of the offense, and the severity of the violation. However, it is quite realistic that you could face a fine in the four-digit range and a longer driving ban. Imprisonment is usually only imposed in particularly serious cases.
To mitigate your punishment or avoid imminent imprisonment, it is advisable to consult a traffic law attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can analyze your situation, develop possible defense strategies, and support you throughout the entire process. It is important that you provide your attorney with all relevant documents, such as your revoked driver's license and any court decisions.
Furthermore, you should take immediate steps to regain your driver's license. This includes participating in a Medical-Psychological Assessment (MPU) and fulfilling all requirements that have been imposed on you. The sooner you complete these steps, the better your chances of receiving a milder punishment.
Overall, it is important that you recognize the seriousness of the situation and respond appropriately. Seek professional legal advice promptly and take all necessary actions to improve your situation and avoid potential negative consequences.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and I am happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Falk, Attorney specializing in traffic law
