Oakland Driving Without a License Attorney

Unlicensed Driving Penalties in California

All states require that drivers hold a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle on their roadways—and California is not an exception. California Vehicle Code 12500 strictly prohibits people from driving without a valid driver's license. While the majority of "driving without a license" offenses are infractions or misdemeanor offenses, these offenses can still significantly impact your criminal record, your driving record, and even your insurance premiums.

If you are stopped and cited for driving without a license in the State of California, it is important to contact an experienced Oakland driving without a license lawyer immediately to prevent further damage to your driving record, your criminal record, and your future.

What Are the Charges for Driving Without a License?

In the State of California, a police officer could charge you with driving without a license for any of these offenses:

• Never obtained a valid driver's license
• Failed to renew expired driver's license
• Failed to obtain California driver's license after establishing residency
• Ineligible for driver's license
• Driving without proper specialty license (i.e. motorcycle license, commercial truck license)

Driving Without a License Is Not the Same as Driving With a Suspended License

If you have been charged with DUI and your license was suspended, driving while on a suspended license is a separate offense and should not be mistaken for driving without a license. Driving on a suspended license is a more serious offense and carries more significant penalties.

Consequences for Driving Without a License

Driving without a license in the State of California can either be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a non-criminal infraction. The prosecution will review your driving history to determine if they wish to prosecute this as a misdemeanor.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor offense, you face the following penalties and consequences:

• Informal probation for up to 3 years
• Up to 6 months in jail
• $1000 maximum fines
• Possible 30-day impounding of your vehicle

There are times when driving without a license could cause significantly more trouble. If you are an illegal immigrant and are caught driving without a license, you could face possible deportation. Also, if there is a warrant for your arrest, being caught driving without a license could kick off a chain of unfortunate events, including jail time.

Fighting a Driving Without a License Charge in California

Unlike other offenses, the burden of proof is on you to prove that you were licensed while driving. If you are unable to do so, then your attorney may be able to have your case postponed while you obtain a license. If the prosecution wishes to pursue a misdemeanor charge, then your Oakland driving without a license attorney can work to have those charges reduced to infractions, which will not affect your criminal record.

Unfortunately, many individuals who are charged with driving without a license do not realize that they can fight these charges. As such, they take the penalties and pay the fines without ever fighting back. At the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed, we have over 10 years of experience with delivering results for clients—regardless of the charges against them. Even misdemeanor offenses can wreak havoc on your life and should absolutely be fought.

Call Me for a Consultation

If you are facing charges for driving without a license, it is important to understand how these charges could affect your driving record, your insurance, and your future.

Call our firm at (510) 907-6600 to get our Oakland driving without a license lawyer working on your case strategy. We proudly help clients in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Concord, and the surrounding areas!