Driving on a Suspended License
Oakland Traffic Violation Lawyers
If your driver's license has been suspended or revoked in the State of California, you have an obligation to avoid driving. Despite these obligations, there are many reasons why individuals with suspended licenses continue to drive, including going to work, getting to the doctor's office, and providing for a family. If you are caught, however, the penalties are severe, and judges do not look favorably on those individuals who are caught routinely breaking the law.
To be convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license, the prosecutor must prove that you knew your license was suspended while you were driving. While there are many reasons your license could have been suspended or revoked, the most common is in connection with a DUI conviction.
Penalties for Driving on Suspended or Revoked California Driver's License
If you are convicted of driving on a suspended license, you face possible jail time, a longer suspension of your driver's license, fines, and more.
The exact penalties and punishment depends largely on the following factors:
- The reason your license was initially suspended
- Any prior convictions for driving with a suspended license
- Driving history
- Criminal record
- Circumstances surrounding your arrest
- And more
If you have prior offenses or a long criminal history, the judge may impose a harsher sentence than a first-time offender would receive. Additionally, if you are convicted of driving on a suspended license in California, the judge may require you to install a California ignition interlock device on your car.
Defenses Against Driving on a Suspended License
After a DUI conviction, your Oakland DUI defense lawyer may be able to
obtain a restricted license for you. This means that you may be allowed
to drive your car to and from work or school, doctor's offices, and other
important court permitted activities. Though a restricted license does
not provide complete freedom, it allows you the ability to accomplish
essential tasks. If you have a restricted license already and were driving
within its requirements, your attorney will work to have your charges
dismissed on this basis.
Even when the evidence is stacked against you, your Oakland DUI defense
lawyer may be able to have the prosecutor reduce the charges to a lesser
infraction or moving violation. If you have no criminal history and this
is your first offense, prosecutors may be more willing to reduce the charges.
No matter what the circumstances are surrounding your case, you need an aggressive and experienced Oakland DUI defense lawyer on your side from the moment you are arrested or receive a citation. Your attorney can fight these serious charges, to protect your future and your driving record. Driving is a serious offense that the law does not take lightly—you deserve an attorney with the experience needed to win.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
If you are facing charges for driving on a suspended license, it is important to understand how these charges could harm your driving record, your insurance, and your future.
Talk to an attorney that has more than 10 years of results at (510) 907-6600. Consultation is free. We proudly help clients in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, and the surrounding areas!
