State Police Charge 21-Year-Old with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation
A 21-year-old man from Utica was arrested by New York State Police on Tuesday night for driving without a valid license in the town of Remsen, Oneida County.
Calvin Rios was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, according to state troopers. The arrest took place on June 3, 2025, and Rios was issued an appearance ticket to return to court at a later date.
What Does Aggravated Unlicensed Operation Mean?
Aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, also known as AUO-3rd, is a serious traffic offense in New York State. This charge applies when someone drives a car on public roads while knowing their driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or taken away by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Penalties for AUO-3rd
Under New York law, people convicted of this misdemeanor charge can face:
- Fines between $200 and $500
- Up to 30 days in jail
- Both a fine and jail time in some cases
If the vehicle weighs more than 18,000 pounds (like a large truck), the fine increases to between $500 and $1,500.
Common Problem in the Mohawk Valley
AUO-3rd charges are relatively common throughout the Mohawk Valley and Oneida County. These arrests often happen when people drive with suspended licenses due to unpaid traffic tickets, missed court dates, or other unresolved legal issues.
Recent similar cases in the area include:
- Justin G. Walker, 37, of Utica, charged in May 2025 in Deerfield
- Makayla M. McCombie, 19, of Canastota, charged in 2024
- Nicholas T. Johnson of Oneida, charged in May 2025 with multiple violations
Different Views on These Charges
Law Enforcement Perspective
Police officers and sheriff’s departments see AUO-3rd as an important public safety issue. They believe that people who drive with suspended licenses are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence or ignoring traffic laws.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that enforcing these laws helps prevent repeat offenders and keeps roads safer for everyone.
Legal Experts’ Concerns
Defense attorneys and legal experts often point out that many people charged with AUO-3rd don’t realize their license has been suspended. This can happen due to:
- Mail not reaching the driver
- Administrative errors
- Confusion about court dates or payment deadlines
These lawyers suggest that better communication between the DMV and drivers could prevent many unintentional violations.
Community and Advocacy Views
Community members and advocacy groups have mixed feelings about AUO-3rd charges. Some support strict enforcement to ensure road safety, while others worry that the penalties unfairly affect low-income individuals who struggle to pay fines or address the reasons for their license suspension.
Advocacy groups have called for reforms such as:
- Payment plans for fines
- Reduced penalties for people facing financial hardship
- Community service options instead of jail time
- Educational programs to prevent repeat offenses
The Legal Process Ahead
Since Rios received an appearance ticket, he will need to appear in court on a scheduled date to address the charges. Depending on the circumstances of his case and any prior driving record, he could face the standard penalties for AUO-3rd or potentially work with the court to find alternative solutions.
The case highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public safety with fair treatment of individuals who may face barriers to maintaining valid driver’s licenses.
