Facing the reality of a driver’s license suspension in Redwood City, CA, can disrupt your daily life. Driving is not just a convenience but is often essential for managing work commitments or family obligations. If you’ve had your driving privileges suspended, it’s important to take quick action to understand the penalties you’re facing if you drive on a suspended license and what defenses you can raise to fight back.
For help with a suspended license in Redwood City, contact our award-winning criminal defense lawyers of Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys at (650) 299-0500 to talk about your legal options.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if Your License Is Suspended in Redwood City
The repercussions can significantly jeopardize your day-to-day life if you’re dealing with a suspended driver’s license in Redwood City. At Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys, we provide comprehensive legal support to navigate these challenges. Our lawyers have 30 years of combined experience and have successfully handled thousands of cases.
Here’s how our experienced Redwood City DUI defense lawyers can help:
- We will examine the reasons for suspension and gather evidence to try to refute it.
- Our legal team will represent you at DMV hearings to challenge your license suspension.
- If applicable, we can assist in seeking alternative privileges such as restricted or hardship licenses, allowing for essential commuting needs like work or school until your full driving rights are restored.
Contact our law offices in Redwood City, California, today to get started. Your initial case review is completely free of charge.
Overview of License Suspension in California
A suspended driver’s license is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges and occurs when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) determines an individual no longer has permission to operate a motor vehicle.
Driving privileges in California can be suspended for a variety of infractions. Here are some common reasons this happens:
No Insurance
California law requires all drivers to have car insurance. If you have an accident or are stopped while driving without insurance, your license can be suspended.
Failure To Report an Accident
Failing to report traffic accidents where there is significant property damage or personal injuries can result in a license suspension.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Conviction
In California, a DUI conviction can lead to your license being immediately suspended. The length of suspension increases with repeat offenses.
Refusing a Chemical Test When Stopped For DUI Suspicion
If you refuse to take a chemical test requested by law enforcement after being stopped for suspected DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended.
Underage Drinking
Anyone under the age of 21 convicted of possessing, consuming, or purchasing alcohol will lose their driver’s license for a period of time.
Excessive Points on Driving Record
Accumulating too many points from traffic violations can lead to a driver’s license suspension.
Failure To Appear in Court for a Traffic Ticket
Failure to appear in traffic court or pay any assessed fines can result in a driver’s license suspension.
Facing a driver’s license suspension has far-reaching implications, but our team can present available options and remedies to handle the situation effectively.
What Are the Penalties for Driving on a Suspension License in Redwood City, California?
In the State of California, to secure a conviction for driving on a suspended license, a prosecutor is required to demonstrate the following criteria:
- Driving While Suspended: The individual operated a motor vehicle during a period when their driving privileges were suspended or revoked.
- Awareness of Suspension: At the time of driving, the individual was aware that their driving privileges had been suspended or revoked.
This statute emphasizes the need for actual knowledge regarding suspending or revoking the driving privilege. The legal system presumes this awareness if the following conditions are met:
- DMV Notification: The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notified the individual of the suspension or revocation of their driving privileges.
- Proper Address: The notice was sent to the individual’s latest address on file with the DMV.
- Notice Delivery: The notice was not returned to the DMV as unclaimed or undeliverable.
If the prosecutor can prove that you were knowingly driving on a suspended license, you can be charged with a misdemeanor offense, which generally carries penalties like fines and possible jail time. The exact penalties will vary depending on the original reasons for the license suspension.
Generally, the penalties include probation for up to 3 years, jail time between 10 and 6 months, a fine of up to $1,000, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if My License Is Suspended in Redwood City?
When faced with the consequences of a suspended driver’s license, several defenses could potentially be raised to mitigate your situation or even contest the suspension itself:
No Suspension
This defense includes showing that there might have been some sort of error and your license wasn’t actually suspended.
No Knowledge
To be convicted of driving on a suspended license, the prosecutor must prove that you (the defendant) knew about the suspension. If you can show that you didn’t, this would lead to an acquittal.
Necessity
In emergencies where there may have been no other reasonable option except to drive, necessity may be argued.
Understanding the possible defenses if accused of driving with a suspended license is critical. Contact us today for guidance on these complex matters and exploring your legal options.
Navigating a driver’s license suspension requires understanding your rights and responsibilities. The team at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys is well-versed in California traffic and criminal law and is prepared to assist you every step of the way.
For help with facing this situation, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our trusted DUI attorneys in Redwood City.