Long Island, NY – Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett of the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. (https://jbassettlaw.com/ny-vehicle-and-traffic-law-511-driving-on-a-suspended-license-after-a-dwi/) is raising awareness about the serious criminal consequences of Driving on a Suspended License after a DWI under New York’s Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO) statute, VTL § 511. Through detailed legal education and case guidance, attorney Bassett outlines how what many drivers assume is a minor traffic matter can result in a permanent criminal record, steep fines, and even felony exposure in Suffolk County and across Long Island.
Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett emphasizes that AUO arising from a DWI or chemical test refusal is treated as a public safety offense, not a simple traffic violation. Under New York’s Prompt Suspension Law and related provisions, a driver’s license can be suspended at arraignment based on a chemical test result of 0.08 percent or higher, even before any conviction. Separate administrative proceedings at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for alleged test refusals add another path to immediate license loss, creating parallel risks that can quickly lead to AUO charges if a driver returns to the road.
The firm explains that defendants may have an early opportunity to challenge a pre-conviction suspension at a Pringle v. Wolfe hearing, where the prosecution must present certified, admissible chemical test results and the defense may contest the reliability of the evidence. Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett notes that, even at this early stage, testimony from officers and technical information about testing devices can become crucial to the broader defense of the DWI and any related AUO allegation. At the same time, a separate DMV refusal hearing can result in a one-year revocation, regardless of the criminal court outcome, which heightens the stakes for every decision made after arrest.
The article further details that New York VTL § 511 creates three degrees of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, with penalties escalating from a misdemeanor in the Third Degree to a Class E felony in the First Degree. When the underlying suspension is alcohol-related, AUO in the Second Degree carries mandatory fines and potential jail or probation, while AUO in the First Degree can involve state prison exposure and a felony record. Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett highlights that first-degree AUO can be charged when a driver already suspended for a DWI-related reason is arrested again for impaired driving, operates on a permanently revoked license after multiple DWIs, or violates the strict terms of a post-conviction conditional license by driving under the influence.
Beyond court-imposed penalties, the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. draws attention to collateral consequences that often follow AUO convictions, including vehicle seizure and forfeiture, sharply increased insurance premiums, and long-term damage to employment, housing, and immigration prospects. Even the lowest-level AUO offense results in a criminal record that does not disappear, appearing on background checks for years to come. The firm underscores that prompt, informed legal representation can be critical in navigating prompt suspensions, DMV hearings, conditional license rules, and potential plea negotiations in order to protect a defendant’s record and future opportunities.
About Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.:
The Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. is a Long Island criminal defense firm serving clients throughout Suffolk County and surrounding communities. The firm handles a wide range of criminal matters, including DWI and DUI offenses, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, drug charges, violent crimes, and other serious felonies and misdemeanors in New York state courts. Led by Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett, the firm focuses on thorough case preparation, strategic motion practice, and courtroom advocacy aimed at safeguarding clients’ rights and long-term interests. Individuals seeking legal representation for DWI-related suspensions or AUO charges may contact the firm at (631) 259-6060 or visit the firm’s website to request a confidential consultation.
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Email: bassettlaw@live.com
Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/
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Company Name: Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C.
Contact Person: Jason Bassett
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Phone: (631) 259-6060
Address:320 Carleton Ave # 4200
City: Central Islip
State: New York 11722
Country: United States
Website: https://jbassettlaw.com/