NY Traffic Defense Attorney – Aggravated Unlicensed Operation
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation or AUO is a common charge in Saratoga County and the surrounding Upstate New York area. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle is a traffic-related offense which in simple terms means that you were caught by the police driving knowingly with a revoked or suspended license. Driving on a suspended license is classified as a criminal offense in New York State. Penalties can range from harsh fines to jail time and probation. An Aggravated Unlicensed operation conviction will lead to a permanent criminal record which can affect your future employment and housing options.
Attorney Andrew DeLuca serves clients in Albany, Latham, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls and the surrounding area.
Misdemeanor AUO
As a DWI defense attorney in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding Capital Region of Upstate New York, Mr. DeLuca defends against many different charges associated with DWI offenses. A common related charge in Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Third Degree, Second Degree and even First Degree.
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) in the Third Degree
AUO in the 3rd degree occurs when an individual operates a motor vehicle on public roads while knowing or having reason to know that his/her license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle is suspended or revoked. This charge is not merely a traffic offense, but a misdemeanor crime in New York State, which can create a permanent criminal record. While these charges may possibly be expunged down the road, it is advisable to fight the charge in order to avoid jail time and a record.
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) in the Second Degree
AUO in the Second Degree is a misdemeanor charge, which if convicted, can result in jail time up to 6 months, fines and probation. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree is charged in the following circumstances:
You were charged with an AUO in the previous 18 months
Your license was suspended or revoked due to a refusal of chemical test for drugs or alcohol
Your suspended license is a result of DWI or DWAI conviction
The suspension was because of a pending DWI or DWAI case
You have had three or more suspensions for failure to answer, appear or pay a fine
There are many ways that you can be charged for this offense, but it is important to note that the reason will influence the sentence. For example, if the reason you were charged with an AUO in the 2nd Degree is related to a DWI or DWAI then the court is mandated to sentence you to jail (7 to 180 days) or to probation (2 to 3 years).
Felony AUO
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) in the First Degree
This charge is the most serious of the AUO charges. Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree is a class E Felony. Penalties include mandatory fines up to $5,000, up to four years in prison and probation. Class E felonies are extremely serious, which makes it essential to hire a local criminal defense attorney right away.
An individual commits this offense when they knowingly operate a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, have had driving privileges permanently revoked, or driving under the influence with a conditional license.
Capital District Traffic Violation Attorney
Attorney Andrew DeLuca has vast experience fighting for clients against traffic related charges including driving without a license, drunk driving, speeding and reckless driving. These are serious charges that can land you in jail, create a criminal record, cause heavy fines and/or revoke your driving privileges. For these reasons, it is important to hire an criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights and aggressively advocate for your case. The goal is to help clients avoid a criminal conviction when possible and reduce the charges and associated penalties when a conviction is unavoidable.
Call us now at 518-245-9109 or fill out the form below for a free case evaluation.