Driving With a Suspended License vs. Driving Without a Valid License
Driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license is different from driving without a valid driver's license in California. The charges, potential penalties, and available defenses can vary depending upon the circumstances of the case.
A charge involving driving on a suspended license can be particularly serious when the suspension resulted from a DUI conviction or a DMV administrative action related to a DUI arrest.
California Law Centers, APC. represents clients facing suspended-license and related traffic charges and can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
Why Was My Driver's License Suspended?
A California driver's license may be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, including:
- DUI-related court or DMV actions
- Accumulation of excessive points or certain traffic violations
- Failure to maintain required automobile insurance in certain circumstances
- Failure to comply with certain DMV requirements
- Other court- or DMV-related actions
Because the reason for the suspension can affect the charge and potential consequences, it is important to determine the actual status of your driver's license and the basis for the suspension.
Driving With a Suspended License After a DUI
If your driver's license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI-related matter, driving during the suspension can create additional legal problems.
The prosecution may also be required to establish certain elements of the offense, including issues concerning your knowledge of the suspension. The facts and evidence should therefore be carefully reviewed before deciding how to handle the charge.
California Law Centers can review the criminal charge as well as the underlying DUI and DMV circumstances to determine what options may be available.
Driving Without a Valid License
Driving without a valid driver's license is a separate offense from knowingly driving while your driving privilege is suspended or revoked.
The circumstances matter. For example, a person who never obtained a valid license may be in a different legal position from someone whose license was affirmatively suspended or revoked by the DMV.
How California Law Centers Can Help
Every suspended-license case is different. We can review the reason for the suspension, DMV records, notice of the suspension, the circumstances of the traffic stop, and other evidence relevant to the charge.
Our goal is to identify available defenses and pursue the best available resolution based upon the individual facts and circumstances of the case.
Contact California Law Centers
If you have been charged with driving on a suspended license or another driver's-license-related offense, contact California Law Centers, APC. for a free case evaluation.
888-DMV-2DUI (888-368-2384)
619-667-3743
[email protected]
San Diego • Riverside • San Bernardino
The information provided on this page is general information and is not legal advice. Penalties and driver's-license consequences depend upon the particular charge, driving history, reason for the suspension, and individual circumstances of the case. No particular result is guaranteed.
