You cannot drive unless you have a current, valid driver’s license. Driving on a suspended license can lead to your arrest for this crime. If you have legal charges against you for driving without a current license, find out more about the laws governing your charges and how a professional, experienced Orange County defense attorney can help you.
What Counts as Driving on a Suspended License?
This crime, per Vehicle Code 14601, involves knowingly operating a vehicle after the Department of Motor Vehicles either revoked or suspended the license. The state classifies knowledge of the license suspension as the Department of Motor Vehicles mailing the individual a notice of such. As long as the notice went to the most recent address and was not returned, the DMV presumes the individual received the letter.
What Are the Consequences of Driving on a Suspended License?
There are many reasons that the DMV may suspend your license. A common reason is a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction. In these instances, you could lose your license for up to a year or longer, with prior convictions within the last decade. Other reasons for license suspension or revocation include reckless driving, multiple traffic violations, or driving with too high of a blood alcohol level.
Due to the many reasons that you could lose your license, the consequences of driving with a suspended one vary, too. Generally, they involve misdemeanor charges, which include serving time in the county jail from a few days up to a year, paying a fine, going under informal probation, and possibly having an ignition interlock installed on your car.
How Can a Defense Attorney Help Your Case?
A defense attorney may look at your case and its circumstances to decide how to best help you. Some possible direct addresses to the charges may include proving that you did not know about the suspension, were not suspended at the time, or had a reason.
To prove that you didn’t get the notice, the court would need evidence that the DMV’s letter was not delivered to your current address or was returned to the DMV. Looking at specific times of the license suspension and when the event took place is also important if your license was still valid when you were accused. Lastly, if you had an emergency or other verifiable reason to drive on a suspended license, you might have a reason to plead guilty with an explanation.
Of course, every case is different, and your defense attorney will work with you to help you get the best legal advice based on your situation.
Reach Out for Legal Help from the Law Office of Steven K. Bloom in Orange County
Facing legal charges does not mean that you have to figure out the laws yourself. With help from a defense attorney like Steven K. Bloom, you get the customized legal advice you need. Whether facing charges for driving on a suspended license or other vehicle-based charges, contact the Law Office of Steven K. Bloom for help with your case. You don’t have to face the legal system without help when you work with Steven K. Bloom. He’ll work hard to give you the best legal counsel for your case.
Sources
https://skbesq.com/dui-vehicle-violation/
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=14601
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=6.&chapter=4.&lawCode=VEH
