CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

DUI on a Suspended License

Facing a DUI charge can be an extremely distressing scenario, but it can be even worse if you have a suspended license or no license when you get pulled over. If you are coping with this kind of situation or any other situation concerning a driving under the influence charge, it is crucial to obtain legal representation from a trusted Los Angeles DUI attorney. Todd Spodek’s law firm is well known and has a lot of experience in such cases.

Charged with a DUI While Driving Without a License?

If you have been driving without a license and are pulled over for suspicion of DUI, you may be slapped with an additional charge for driving without a license. In other cases, even having a license from a different state than California, you could be vulnerable to similar charges if you have not received your California driver’s license, although you might be legally authorized and correctly licensed in another state.

For instance, someone visiting California can drive with their legitimate driver’s license from their native state. But, even though you could be a legal and appropriate licensed driver from states like Nevada or other nearby states in California, if you cannot produce your California driver’s license, you could face severe legal consequences.

What Happens if You are Charged with a DUI When Your License is Suspended?

If you were carrying a legitimate driver’s license when you got apprehended for suspicion of DUI, but your license was suspended at the time for a prior DUI conviction, you could be charged with driving on a suspended license.

When the driver’s license has been suspended due to reckless, negligent, or improper driving, you could serve five or more days in prison and hefty fines as punishment. If it is the second instance of driving with a suspended license conviction, you could face a minimum of ten days behind bars, among other penalties.

If your license was suspended because of a past DUI conviction and you are caught driving on a suspended license again, then you could face sentencing for two counts – a subsequent DUI, and mandatory driving on a suspended license. You would be required to serve both jail terms consecutively, and you will be mandated to use an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Furthermore, if you are designated a Habitual Traffic Offender by the California DMV, if you have previously received convictions for vehicular manslaughter, or if you have had multiple prior DUI convictions, you could be subjected to even more severe penalties, including a 180-day jail term and more substantial fines.

Can Your Vehicle Be Impounded?

If you are sentenced for driving on a suspended license, the judge can rule that your vehicle is impounded. If it is your first conviction, the judge can order your vehicle to remain impounded for a maximum of six months. If it is your second or more convictions, your vehicle could be impounded for up to one year.

In addition, if you are a repeat offender, the judge could deem your vehicle as a “nuisance,” which means it could be confiscated and you could never retrieve it back. Consequently, you should take a driving under the influence charge seriously, especially if you’re also facing issues such as driving without a license or driving with a suspended license.

If you have been arrested for DUI but are driving without a license or on suspended licensure, it would be to seek legal counsel from a reputable Los Angeles DUI attorney. Todd Spodek and his law firm’s experienced lawyers can provide the legal representation that you require to navigate through this difficult time. With their expert help, you significantly increase your chances of receiving reduced charges, reduced or no jail time, and fewer fines.