What happens if I’m caught driving while my license is suspended?
It’s hard to get around without a car. If you’ve been driving since you were sixteen, it’s hard to suddenly have to rely on friends, family, or even coworkers to get where you need to go. So if your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, you may have faced a situation where you decided to risk it—and got caught.
What happens next?
Regardless of whether you were stone cold sober at the time, if you operated a motor vehicle while your license was suspended, and you knew it was suspended, you could face a heavy fine or even jail time. But if this is not your first offense, penalties will be even steeper. And the reason why your license was suspended in the first place will also make a difference. So it’s essential that you contact an expert defense attorney who is experienced in Southern California vehicle code violations and DUI cases. Attorney Dan Chambers can advise you about your unique situation to determine the best defense for YOU.
What do I need to know about being charged with driving while my license is revoked?
In California, not only does the prosecutor have to prove that you were driving while your license was suspended or revoked, he or she must prove that you KNEW that your license was suspended.
Your California driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons, including reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test. The most serious violation would be when your license was suspended or revoked for a DUI charge. If you are arrested for DUI, your California driver’s license is confiscated and you are provided with a pink temporary license, which is only good for 30 days—and then your license will AUTOMATICALLY be suspended UNLESS you request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 DAYS.
What is my best defense?
It will be presumed that you knew your license was suspended if a police officer personally served you with notice, if a judge told you at a hearing, or if the DMV sent a suspension notice to your last mailing address. But that’s just a presumption— there are valid reasons why you might not have actually known that your license was suspended at the time. That’s why you need a great defense attorney by your side. Dan Chambers will meet with you to discuss the options available for your defense—and prosecutors may be willing to dismiss charges if you have little or no criminal history.
Take action today to get your California driving privileges back!
School, work, doctor appointments—some things are essential! In some cases, a judge may determine that you have a “critical need” to drive, and will grant you restricted driving privileges. If you are given restricted driving privileges, you may be allowed to drive to and from work, school, a court-ordered DUI school, or for another reason that the court determines is absolutely essential.
Call Dan Chambers today to help you make the best argument for getting back your driving privileges! Get Southern California’s best DUI and vehicle code violation attorney on your side today by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or sending an online message via the Chat box at the bottom right of this page today.
