Driving on a Suspended License in California

You might not have ever considered the fact that driving a car is not a universal right you are born with; rather, it is a privilege bestowed upon you by the state. Like all other states in the U.S., California grants the right to operate a motor vehicle through the issuance of a driver's license. To sustain that privilege, you are obligated to abide by the laws and rules which govern driving. Those who violate specific laws may find themselves facing a license suspension or revocation. When that happens, your driving privileges are terminated for a set time period after which you must apply for a new license through the DMV. Driving privileges can be suspended in this manner either by the DMV or by a court.

A list of the offenses which can lead to the loss of your driver's license can be found in the California Vehicle Code. They include such offenses as reckless driving, DUIs, and a refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test when requested to do so by law enforcement. When your driver's license has been suspended or revoked, it is a criminal misdemeanor offense to then operate any motor vehicle. This is not the same as the offense of driving without a license, which means you were never validly licensed in the first place, whether in California or another state or that your license has expired.

If you are convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license, you will face fines of $300 to $1,000 and possible jail time. A second offense will result in higher fines and potentially longer jail sentences. If your license was suspended or revoked due to a DUI, the penalties may be harsher.

Criminal Defense Firm in Long Beach, California

Any criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a more serious felony, can have an adverse effect on your finances, result in incarceration, and hinder future opportunities due to having a permanent criminal record. You should always consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney to understand the charges you are facing and how best to defend yourself in a court of law. Everyone is entitled to a solid defense and should take steps to ensure that they have one by working with a legal professional who is familiar with criminal law and the courts in their local area.

Law Office of Peacock & Le Beau is a criminal defense firm in Long Beach that serves clients throughout the Los Angeles area. Both of these attorneys are Certified Criminal Law Specialists; this means they have reached the top of the legal profession in their field of law as certified by the California Bar. Only 300 attorneys in the state of California have attained this professional status. In order to achieve this, an attorney must meet rigorous training, testing, and legal experience requirements. Very few law firms have Specialists of this type and almost none have two such attorneys on their teams. As you can see, if you are facing any criminal charge, you can be assured of outstanding legal service when bringing your case to this firm. To learn more, contact the firm for a consultation or visit the firm's website.