Posted by srailawoffice In DUI March 10, 2021 0 Comment

You can lose your driver’s license or have your license suspended for many different reasons, including but not limited to drunk driving, certain traffic citations and reckless driving. California drivers are no exception to the rules. Under California law, if you choose to continue operating your vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, you can face serious consequences and penalties.

If you or a loved one has been charged with driving with a revoked or suspended license, you should immediately contact an experienced Stockton criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights and avoid the negative and harsh consequences of a driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Common Reasons for Suspension or Revocation of a California Driver’s License

There a variety of different ways that your driving privileges may be revoked in California. Some common ways are described below:

  • Driving under the influence. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend or revoke your driving privileges if you are convicted of drunk driving or driving under the influence of other control substances. The suspension period may vary between six months and two years.
  • Accumulation of Points on Your Driving Record. Certain driving offenses, such as speeding, failing to properly restraint a child passenger or driving with a suspended license, can carry points in California. If you accumulate four points in a 12-month period, six points in a 24-month period, or eight points in a 36-month, the DMV can suspend your driver’s license.
  • Reckless Driving. If you are convicted of reckless driving, your driving privileges can be for suspended between 30 days and up to six months, depending on whether it is your first conviction or a subsequent conviction.

Regardless of why your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked, it is best not to violate the terms by getting behind the wheel until the restrictions are lifted. However, if you do and you face criminal charges, it is best to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who specifically handles these types of cases.

Consequences of Driving After a Suspension or Revocation Charges

Driving with a revoked or suspend license is a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code § 14601(b). Your severity and length of your sentence can depend on whether you were previously convicted for driving after suspension or revocation. Below is a brief outline of the consequences of a conviction of this charge:

  • 1st offense can carry a minimum sentence of five days in jail and a $300 monetary fine. The maximum sentence is six months in jail and a $1,000 monetary fine.
  • Subsequent offenses with in a five-year period can carry a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail and $500 fine. The maximum sentence is one year in jail and a monetary fine of $2,000.

If your driver’s license was suspended due to a drunk driving charge, the penalties may be even higher. (Cal. Veh. Code § 14601.2). In addition, you may face even stricter consequences if the state deems you to be a habitual traffic offender. (Cal. Veh. Code § 14601.3).

Contact an Experienced Suspended Drivers License Defense Attorney

The Central Valley suspended drivers license defense attorneys at the Srai Law Office provide can help you if you are facing criminal charges for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our driving after suspension or revocation charges defense attorneys, please call us at (209) 323-5558, or complete our online form.