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Revoked and Suspended Driver’s Licenses
Californian’s love their cars. Many people in Los Angeles regard their car as an absolute necessity. That’s what makes having a suspended or revoked driver’s license such a pain. Without a valid license, people are forced to rely on public transportation or on the generosity of friends and family. It makes for a difficult situation. Just getting between work and home can become a complicated routine. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you need to speak with a Los Angeles suspended or revoked driver’s license attorney.
Why Do Driver’s Licenses Get Suspended or Revoked in California?
California driver’s licenses may be suspended or revoked for various reasons. Sometimes it is a result of having too many points and moving violations. Licenses may get suspended due to unpaid tickets, a failure to pay child support or possession of drugs. People who get picked up on a bench warrant may later discover that their driving privileges have been suspended. Similarly, a failure to appear in court or a DUI conviction may both lead to a suspended or revoked license in Los Angeles. Some people aren’t even aware that their driver’s license is no longer valid, leading them to unwittingly break the law. As soon as you discover that your driver’s license has been revoked, you need to contact a qualified Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.
California Laws Related to Suspended and Revoked Driver’s Licenses
The punishment you may receive for driving with a suspended or revoked license is dependent upon the type of offense or offenses that led to your license being suspended or revoked in the first place. Vehicle Code section 14601(a) applies to anyone whose driving privileges have been suspended because of negligent operation of a vehicle, reckless driving, drug or alcohol abuse or mental and physical impairments that would cause the driver to be unsafe to himself or others. Infractions under this vehicle code are usually misdemeanors. Nonetheless, it is important to secure the services of an experienced Los Angeles suspended or revoked driver’s license attorney in an effort to avoid jail time and significant fines.
People whose license is suspended based on a DUI conviction are covered under Vehicle Code 14601.2(a). These are probably the most serious suspended-license driving charges. Minimum penalties include a 10-day jail sentence. If it is a second offense, then the illegal driver will be sentenced to a minimum of 30 days in county jail. Maximum consequences may include fines and penalty assessments in excess of $4,000 in addition to the possibility of six months in jail.
Drivers who refuse to take a blood alcohol test or who are found to have an excessive blood alcohol content may also have their license suspended or revoked. If that driver continues to operate a vehicle, he may be charged under Vehicle Code 14601.5. The minimum consequence for a conviction under this code is five days in jail and a fine of at least $1,500. Maximum punishments can include larger fines and penalty assessments in addition to a possible six months in jail.
Vehicle Code section 14601.1(a) is known as an umbrella statute. It effectively captures all of the offenses that may lead to a suspended or revoked driver’s license in California that are not covered in the other sections of the statute. People who failed to appear at an appointed court date or who did not pay a fine by the deadline may be charged under this section. Similarly, parents who do not pay child support or drivers who have an unsatisfied court judgment may be convicted under 14601.1(a). Fines in excess of $300 and additional penalty assessments may be due for a conviction. Maximum consequences can include fines and penalty assessments of near $4,000 and up to six months in county jail.
Clearly, violating any of these laws can lead to serious consequences. The only hope you have of potentially avoiding them is through hiring a Los Angeles suspended driver’s license attorney.
Work With a Qualified Los Angeles Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License Attorney
Regardless of the reasons behind the suspension or revocation of your California driver’s license, it is imperative that you work with an attorney to address the situation. The driver’s license suspension attorneys at this firm have helped hundreds of drivers just like you who lost their driving privileges. Our attorneys can not only help you get your license back, but also can assist you with clearing up the reasons why your license was suspended or revoked. Whether you are facing a DMV hearing or a day in court, our attorneys are the ideal advocates. Our experience, integrity and dedication to justice make us the right choice no matter your situation.
The sooner you begin working with a Los Angeles revoked driver’s license attorney, the sooner you can legally be back on the road. Don’t put off finding a lawyer. Regaining your driving privileges means taking your freedom back. You won’t have to trust the unreliable public transit system or your friends any more. Plus, you’ll gain the added satisfaction of knowing that you have cleared up the underlying cause of your driver’s license suspension.
Schedule an initial consultation with one of our Los Angeles suspended or revoked driver’s license attorneys today. They will immediately begin working on your case, which will include finding a defense strategy that could put you back in the driver’s seat.