7.719 — DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE
Violations of "Statute 7.719" results in an Class D Misdemeanor
(a) Definitions
Driving without an issued license without knowledge is the act of operating a motor vehicle on public roadways without having been issued a valid driver’s license, while unaware that they lacked the necessary legal authorization to drive.
(b) Elements
To establish the offense of driving without a license without knowledge, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following elements:
The defendant was operating a motor vehicle on a public road or highway.
The defendant has never been issued a valid driver’s license by the relevant licensing authority.
The defendant did not know, nor reasonably should have known, that they were required to have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
(c) Defenses
Defenses against a charge of driving without a license without knowledge may include:
It shall be a defense if the defendant can prove they were genuinely unaware of the requirement to have a valid driver’s license at the time of the offense.
A defense may also exist if the defendant can show that they had been led to believe they were properly licensed or were misinformed by a trusted source.
Lack of intent or reasonable mistakes in the process of acquiring a license may also serve as a defense if proven by the defendant.
(d) Aggravating Factors
Even without knowledge, certain aggravating factors may result in increased penalties or additional charges, such as:
Causing an accident resulting in property damage or injury while driving without a valid license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even without knowledge of license requirements.
Prior warnings or notices about the requirement to obtain a license that were disregarded.
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