Out-of-State License? It Could Be Suspended for a North Carolina Drug Conviction

Last week a client pleaded to Class Three Possession of Marijuana < 1/2 Oz. in Wake County District Court (G.S. 90-95). This week he received a letter that the State of Ohio has suspended his driver’s license indefinitely.

As you can see, the letter was actually dated 4/10/19, but he did not receive it until May. By simply paying $30, he can have his license reinstated according to the notice.

Will North Carolina Suspend A NC Driver’s License For A Marijuana Possession Charge?

No. For a simple conviction, your NC license is not in danger. However, if you fail to appear for court, fail to pay your costs or fines, or violate probation, you could lose your license.

How Can I Avoid This?

First, if you reside in North Carolina, you must obtain an NC Driver’s License if you plan to drive. (There are exceptions, such as military exemptions.) Otherwise, if you receive a charge in NC and have an out-of-state license, contact a criminal defense attorney in that state immediately to see if a charge and/or conviction could affect your license in that state. It would be awful to have the letter get lost in the mail or go to your former address and you never know your license is suspended until you are pulled over for speeding or expired registration. At that point, you would receive a driving while license revoked charge, and then have to face more consequences and more costs, fines, and attorney fees. It’s an ugly cycle that you do not want to enter.

If you are facing a criminal charge in Raleigh, contact William Pruden at 919-880-2124 for a free consultation.

William is a criminal defense attorney who handles cases from Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Apex, Cary, and Morrisville.

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