Driving with Suspended License 3rd Degree in Washington State

[ericande]

My question involves a driver's license issued by the State of: Washingon


I was recently pulled over and told I my license was suspended. I had unpaid ticket from April that I didn't pay and I didn't receive notices as it seems the DOL does not have my current address. After putting me in the back of his car and searching my car the LEO gave me the info on the previous ticket and made it seem that all I had to do was pay it and my license would be re-instated after several days. But I did have to attend a hearing on the 15th of December. I immediately called the district court where the ticket was issued and paid it.

I wasn't too concerned with everything as the LEO and the court I called made it sound like no big deal. Today I did some research and got freaked out as I see the maximum penalty can be 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. I feel pretty stupid let this happen to begin with but is it likely the penalty will be that severe? If it helps, the court to appear is the city of Lake Forest Park.

Thanks.

[M'sta Mikey]

Yes! If that's the statue, then the penalty could be that severe if that's the law. It matters not where the court is located; it's only the statutes pertaining to your ticket in the state in which you were ticketed that matters.

Consult with an attorney in your area who specializes in traffic violations.

[billywanker]

Not a lawyer. Yes, old topic, but some information needs to be put in this. OP said he did not pay a ticket. What type of ticket did he not pay?

RCW 46.20.289 in revelant part that:

The department shall suspend all driving privileges of a person when the department receives notice from a court under RCW 46.63.070(6), 46.63.110(6), or 46.64.025 that the person has failed to respond to a notice of traffic infraction, failed to appear at a requested hearing, violated a written promise to appear in court, or has failed to comply with the terms of a notice of traffic infraction or citation, other than for a standing, stopping, or parking violation, provided that the traffic infraction or traffic offense is committed on or after July 1, 2005.

If the ticket was a standing, stopping, or parking violation, committed on or after July 1, 2005. Your license was not properly suspended because the dol failed to calculate your individual due process. You can't argue the dol changed your provided address on your driver's license anymore. 99% of the time they offer you a plea deal, no jail, not to drive unless currently licensed and insured, pay small fine normally about $450.00. Running out and paying your alledged past ticket, weakens a due process defense based on other calculations state Supreme Court has held to be needed for the dol to calculate a individuals due process.

Not legal advice, I'am well informed on this area of Washington State law! law............

[toddo72]

I had the same exact thing happen to me 3 days ago (I am in WA as well). I have a hearing on the 15th of January and was wondering how everything went with yours. Or if there is any advise you can give. I haven't paid my past tickets yet that caused my license to be suspended. Did this help you in your case?
Thanks

[M'sta Mikey]

I haven't paid my past tickets yet that caused my license to be suspended. Did this help you in your case?
Thanks

And how, please share, do you think that not paying past tickets, especially when they caused your suspension, will help.