Скачать или смотреть What is Driving on a Suspended License After a DWI VTL § 511 (AUO)? by Jason Bassett

What is Driving on a Suspended License After a DWI VTL § 511 (AUO)? by Jason Bassett

Driving on a suspended license after a DWI in New York is not just a traffic violation—it’s a criminal charge under VTL § 511, known as Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (AUO). In this video, Suffolk County DWI lawyer Jason Bassett of the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. breaks down what this charge means, how it impacts your driving privileges, and what steps you can take to protect yourself if you’ve been accused.

Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. | Criminal Attorney and DWI Lawyer
320 Carleton Ave # 4200, Central Islip, NY 11722, United States
(631) 259-6060
https://jbassettlaw.com/ny-vehicle-an...

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=69502...

New York law treats license suspensions stemming from alcohol-related offenses very seriously. A DWI arrest under VTL § 1192 can lead to an immediate pre-conviction license suspension through the Prompt Suspension Law under VTL § 1193(2)(e)(7). If you are arraigned in Suffolk County, your case may be heard at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip or in Riverhead on the East End. During arraignment, the court may suspend your license before any conviction, based on a certified chemical test showing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher.

Jason Bassett explains how a Pringle hearing—based on the 1996 New York Court of Appeals case Pringle v. Wolfe—can challenge this type of suspension. This hearing gives defendants an early opportunity to question the chemical test results and present rebuttal evidence before the suspension goes into effect.

In addition to court-imposed suspensions, refusing a chemical test under VTL § 1194 triggers a separate administrative process with the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. This DMV hearing is held independently of your criminal case, and if the judge upholds the refusal, your license can be revoked for a full year.

AUO charges fall into three categories. AUO in the Third Degree under VTL § 511(1) is a misdemeanor that carries fines and possible jail time. AUO in the Second Degree under VTL § 511(2) applies when your suspension is due to a DWI conviction, a test refusal, or a prompt suspension, and it includes mandatory penalties. The most serious, AUO in the First Degree under VTL § 511(3), is a Class E felony and applies when you drive under the influence again while suspended, or if you drive on a conditional license in violation of its terms.

Conditional licenses, issued through the DMV’s Impaired Driver Program, allow limited driving—such as to work or classes—but do not restore full privileges. If you drive outside the permitted purposes, you risk a traffic infraction under VTL § 1196(7)(f). If you’re caught driving under the influence while on a conditional license, that conduct qualifies as AUO in the First Degree under VTL § 511(3)(a)(iv).

Attorney Bassett discusses how these laws work together and how they affect real drivers across Long Island. He also covers the possibility of vehicle forfeiture under VTL § 511-c, and how that can impact not just the driver but also family members or others who legally own the vehicle.

With over 21 years of courtroom experience and a background as a former prosecutor, Jason Bassett provides valuable insight into the process and explains how to respond if you’re facing these charges. Call the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. at (631) 259-6060 to schedule a confidential consultation and get help understanding your rights.

What is the VTL 511 in NY?
What does driving on a DUI suspended license mean?
What is an AUO charge in NY?
What does auo mean?