Driving is essential for daily life in San Jose, CA. You need a way to get to work, run errands, and care for your family. Facing a driver’s license suspension can create a major inconvenience. You need an experienced lawyer to help you understand the full consequences of having your driving privileges suspended.
At Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys, our lawyers have served thousands of highly satisfied clients. We focus our practice exclusively on criminal defense cases. Expertise.com recognized us as the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Jose for 2023, and our team includes a California State Bar Certified Specialist.
We are available 24/7 to discuss your case. Contact us at (408) 217-8818 for a free consultation with a San Jose DUI lawyer.
How Our San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help if Your Driver’s License Is Suspended
If you are facing a driver’s license suspension in San Jose, California, additional criminal charges may be brought against you. Our legal team at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys provides comprehensive legal defense for all charges. We’ve successfully handled thousands of cases and won numerous trials.
Our San Jose criminal defense attorneys can handle all aspects of your case, including:
- Investigating the reasons why your driver’s license was suspended
- Explaining how the laws apply in your case and your legal rights
- Representing you at the DMV hearing to challenge your driver’s license suspension
- Assisting you in obtaining a restricted or hardship driver’s license, if necessary
Our attorneys have top ratings with Avvo, Super Lawyers, and The National Trial Lawyers. We have won over 3,000 cases. With over 30 years of combined experience, we are equipped to handle even the most complex criminal cases.
Call Ahmed & Sukaram for a free case evaluation with an experienced San Jose DUI lawyer.
Reasons for a Driver’s License Suspension in San Jose, CA
Your driving privileges may be suspended for many reasons, such as:
Failure to Report an Accident
California law requires you to report an accident that involves injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to the police within 24 hours and the DMV within 10 days. Failing to report an accident can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Driving Without Insurance
California requires drivers to have a minimum amount of automobile insurance. Liability insurance compensates accident victims when a driver causes an accident. Failing to have the required insurance coverage is a reason to suspend driving privileges.
Underage Drinking
Individuals under the age of 21 years can have their driver’s license suspended for consuming, possessing, or purchasing alcohol. They can also lose their driving privileges if they are driving under the influence. Any alcohol in their system could result in an underage DUI charge.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
California Vehicle Code §23152 makes driving under the influence illegal. The police can immediately seize your driver’s license based on your prior DUIs and other factors. You have a short time to challenge the suspension.
Failing to Pay Child Support
Failure to comply with child support payments may result in a suspension of your driving privileges. Family Code §17520 places a hold on licenses being issued when a parent does not comply with court-ordered child support payments.
Failure or Refusal of an Alcohol or Drug Test
California’s implied consent law requires motorists to take a blood, breath, or urine test if they are arrested for driving under the influence. Your driver’s license will be revoked for refusing a test even if you are acquitted of DUI.
Vandalism
The court can suspend your driver’s license for one year if you are convicted of vandalism. If you do not have your driver’s license, you must wait an extra year to apply for a license when you are old enough to drive.
Excessive Points on Driving Record
You get points against your driving record when you violate a traffic law. The DMV can suspend your driver’s license for having too many points on your driving record.
What Is the Penalty for Driving With a Suspended License in California?
The prosecutor must prove that your driver’s license was suspended at the time when you were driving. They must also prove that you were aware your driving privileges had been suspended.
You can be charged with a misdemeanor for driving with a suspended license. The penalty depends on the reasons why your license was suspended. However, the court may sentence you to jail for up to six months, probation for up to three years, and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Potential Defenses to Driving with a Suspended License in San Jose, CA
One or more defenses could apply in your case. Potential defenses include:
- You did not know your driver’s license was suspended.
- An error occurred, and your driver’s license is not actually suspended.
- An emergency required you to drive because there was no other reasonable option.
Contact an attorney immediately if you are charged with driving with a suspended license. You may have one or more legal options for a defense.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our San Jose Criminal Defense Attorneys
Facing a driver’s license suspension is frustrating and stressful. Our San Jose criminal defense attorneys at Ahmed & Sukaram, DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys understand traffic and criminal laws. We will guide you through every step of the legal process and provide sound legal advice to protect your rights.