Driving Without a License Offenses

Assistance from a Traffic Crime Attorneys in California

In California, it is against the law to drive a vehicle without having a valid driver’s license. If you are caught allegedly driving without a license, you can find yourself in trouble with law enforcement and facing a variety of consequences.

At Second Chances Law Group, we understand that there are a variety of factors which could have led to this situation, such as having left your license at home before you went for a drive or having lost it unbeknownst to you. Our driving without a license attorneys are here to help defend your driving privileges and rights.

You can also be charged with a traffic offense if you drive while never having obtained a driver’s license, if you neglected to renew your driver's license after it expired, or if you moved to California and never obtained a California driver's license, which is required if you are a resident here.

Penalties for Driving Without a License

If you are found guilty of this crime and convicted, you could be facing serious consequences. The law requires you to have a valid license while driving, which means that you could be charged with a misdemeanor.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you could face:

• Up to six months in jail
• A fine of up to $1,000
• Your car may be impounded

Creating a Defense Strategy that Can Work for You

There are a variety of potential defenses to a driving without a license charge that our criminal defense lawyers may be able to use on your behalf. For example, if you just didn’t have your license on you at the time. If you are pulled over and don’t have your license with you but you do have a duly issued license, you should not be charged with a misdemeanor arrest, but should only face an infraction. Or if your license has expired or you have not obtained a California license, a judge might be lenient with you if you are able to go right away to obtain the proper license or renewal.