Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License Attorney in Los Angeles

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in California is considered a serious misdemeanor offense under California Vehicle Code Section 14601. Understanding the nuances and potential penalties is crucial if you have been charged with this crime. The law does not treat all suspended or revoked licenses equally; penalties depend significantly on the reason for the initial suspension and any prior convictions. At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we specialize in providing aggressive and knowledgeable defense strategies for driving offenses tailored to your unique circumstances.

California Vehicle Code Section 14601 categorizes driving with a suspended or revoked license into several subsections, each dealing with different circumstances and varying severity of penalties:

• Vehicle Code § 14601(a): General Suspension. Applies when a driver's license has been suspended or revoked due to reckless driving, alcohol or drug addiction, physical or mental disability, or being declared a negligent or incompetent driver. Penalties for a first conviction can include:
  • Up to six months in county jail
  • Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000
• Vehicle Code § 14601.1(a): Catch-All Provision. Covers suspensions or revocations for reasons not listed explicitly in other subsections. Common examples include suspensions due to unpaid tickets or missed court dates. Penalties under this section can include:
  • Up to six months in jail
  • Fines up to $1,000
• Vehicle Code § 14601.2: DUI-Related Suspension. Explicitly addresses cases where a license was suspended due to a DUI conviction. This subsection carries stringent mandatory penalties:
  • First conviction: minimum of 10 days in county jail
  • Second conviction within five years: minimum of 30 days in county jail
  • Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
  • Substantial fines and probation terms
• Vehicle Code § 14601.3: Habitual Traffic Offenders. Habitual traffic offenders face severe consequences. This applies to individuals with multiple convictions for driving on a suspended or revoked license within one year:
  • Minimum 30 days in jail
  • Significant fines and probation
  • Potential vehicle impoundment or forfeiture

To convict someone under any subsection of Vehicle Code 14601, the prosecution must prove two essential elements:

• Knowledge of Suspension or Revocation: The defendant must have known their driving privileges were suspended or revoked. Courts typically infer knowledge if:
  • The DMV mailed a notice via first-class mail to the individual's last known address.
  • Law enforcement provided verbal notice during a prior encounter.
  • A judge officially announced the suspension in court.
• Driving While Suspended or Revoked: Prosecutors usually prove this straightforwardly, as evidence typically includes testimony from law enforcement or DMV records.

An experienced attorney can raise various defenses to charges under Vehicle Code § 14601, including:

• Lack of Knowledge: This defense can effectively challenge the prosecution's case if you were unaware of your suspension because the DMV mailed the notice to an incorrect address, or you moved recently.
• Necessity or Emergency: If driving was necessary due to an immediate emergency, this defense might lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
• Improper Stop or Search: If law enforcement acted improperly, challenging the legality of the traffic stop can lead to the suppression of evidence.
• Administrative Errors: Errors by the DMV in processing your suspension or revocation could invalidate the charges against you.

Beyond fines and jail time, a conviction under Vehicle Code § 14601 can lead to additional severe repercussions:

• Probation: Usually ranging from 1 to 3 years, probation imposes significant restrictions.
• Vehicle Impoundment: Potential vehicle impoundment lasting up to 30 days, incurring additional costs.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A misdemeanor conviction creates a lasting criminal record, potentially affecting employment, housing, and other opportunities.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies may significantly increase rates or deny coverage altogether.

Non-citizens face additional complications if convicted under §14601. Even minor infractions, escalated to misdemeanors, can trigger deportation or removal proceedings, especially if the charge involves moral turpitude or a repeat offense.

Having a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney like Michael Kraut on your side can make a significant difference. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Michael Kraut has extensive experience and knowledge of how prosecutors build cases. He understands how to effectively challenge evidence, negotiate favorable plea agreements, and provide compelling defenses.

At Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., we prioritize your defense and vigorously work to:

• Minimize or eliminate jail time
• Avoid substantial fines
• Protect your driving privileges
• Mitigate long-term consequences to your criminal record

When facing charges of driving on a suspended or revoked license in Los Angeles, you deserve a defense that combines skill, experience, and commitment. Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc. offers:

• A personalized and thorough evaluation of your case
• Strategic defense planning based on meticulous legal research
• Aggressive representation in court
• Practical negotiation skills aimed at achieving the best possible outcome

If you face charges under California Vehicle Code § 14601, do not navigate the criminal justice system alone. Contact Los Angeles Attorney Michael Kraut at Kraut Law Group Criminal & DUI Lawyers, Inc., immediately to schedule your free and confidential consultation.