Although a charge of Driving Without a License or Driving While License Suspended may seem like an open and shut case for law enforcement, there are some possible defenses to license charges. One possible defense is the lack of a “wheel witness” – meaning nobody actually observed the alleged offender driving or in actual physical control of the vehicle. Another possible defense is a police officer’s failure to articulate a valid reason for the traffic stop. Perhaps all of the legal elements are in order, but your reason for driving involved an emergency; in this instance, you may be able to raise the necessity defense. There are many possible defenses to license charges, and you should seek the advice of an experienced criminal traffic lawyer to explore the options. In cases where there may not be a legal defense, it is still important to get a lawyer. A great criminal defense attorney can often negotiate a better plea offer by presenting mitigating information to the court or prosecutors. A defense attorney will also protect your rights every step of the way, ensure you are not railroaded, help you understand your case, waive your presence in court, and navigate the criminal justice system with ease; all of these factors save you time and energy, and ultimately reduce your stress.