Driving on an expired license is a legal offense within the state of California beneath Vehicle Code (VC) 12500. So, what occurs when you get caught driving with an expired license? Chances are you’ll face legal prices. These prices could lead to a conviction.
If convicted for driving with no license, you possibly can face fines and jail time. Within the occasion you’re going through this cost, you’ll need to be taught extra about what to anticipate once you get caught driving with an expired license in California and think about potential authorized defenses your legal professional would possibly use.
Car Code Part 12500 and an Expired License
All drivers should have a legitimate license to legally function a automobile in California, which you could receive from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers with no license could face prices beneath Car Code (VC) 12500 if:
- They by no means obtained a driver’s license
- They’d a driver’s license from one other state however by no means obtained one upon transferring to California
- They didn’t renew their driver’s license when it expired
Chances are you’ll face VC 12500 prices for driving with an expired license within the state of California.
Penalties for Driving on an Expired License
Driving with no license is taken into account a “wobbler” cost in California. Prosecutors could cost VC 12500 as both an infraction or a misdemeanor. Typically, you face infraction prices for a primary arrest. Chances are you’ll face fines the primary time you might be stopped with no license.
Try to be conscious that subsequent arrests for VC 12500 are handled extra significantly. You typically face misdemeanor prices for extra VC 12500 instances. A second conviction for driving on an expired license could lead to:
- Fines of as much as $1,000
- Jail time of as much as six months
Chances are you’ll face these repercussions every time you might be arrested for driving on a suspended license. You will get authorized assist in case you are accused of driving with no license. Name us to be taught extra.
You Can Receive a Driver’s License in California
As we talked about, a first-time offense for driving on an expired license in California is mostly solely an infraction. This implies it’s possible you’ll keep away from main penalties for this infraction. Chances are you’ll solely must pay a effective. You may keep away from extra penalties by getting a license.
Typically, acquiring a license requires you to go to the DMV. In case your license expired, you might have to undergo your complete course of to get your license once more. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll keep away from these challenges by getting your license renewed promptly.
Defenses to Expenses for Driving on an Expired License
You do not need to easily settle for prices for driving on an expired license in California. You will get authorized assist in your facet rapidly to maintain these accusations. In some instances, it’s possible you’ll construct a protection by demonstrating that:
You Are an Out-of-State Driver
Solely residents of California are required to have a California driver’s license. When you moved to a different state, you possibly can enable your California license to run out. On this case, you would want to have a present license in your current state of residence.
You Had been Not Driving
Generally, people spend time in a automobile with out driving. You shouldn’t be penalized for having an expired license if you weren’t driving your automobile. A lawyer could assist set up that you weren’t working a automobile on the time of your arrest.
You Had been Exempt From Having a License
Some drivers should not required to have a license. For instance, authorities employees don’t want a license when working a government-owned automobile. This is applicable usually. Moreover, drivers working a tractor don’t want a license.
You Merely Didn’t Have Your Up-to-Date License With You
Some drivers by chance go away their present license behind after they go for a drive. When you’ve got an up-to-date license, it’s possible you’ll keep away from prices. Your lawyer could show that you just forgot to deliver your license with you. This might help you keep away from fines and jail time in California.
Expired Licenses Can Open You to Different Expenses
Getting caught whereas driving with an expired license can open you as much as different prices. When you’ve got a warrant out in your arrest already, or are on probation, getting caught might ship you on to jail.
An officer might also attempt to use the cease as an excuse to go looking your automobile or query you to seek out different proof of crimes. To them, you’re already in hassle for the expired license and you might have damaged different legal guidelines.
DUI and Expired Licenses in California
An expiration is totally different from a suspension. Suspension is what typically occurs if somebody is arrested for DUI. An expiration simply means you haven’t registered with the state. Driving with both situation can get you charged in California.
In case you are charged with driving DUI with an expired license, you’ll want quick authorized help. Name us instantly for authorized help. When you don’t act quick, your expired license might flip right into a suspended one. That is rather more tough and costly to repair.
Get Assist if You Had been Caught Driving With an Expired License
Driving with an expired license could lead to legal prices in California. Chances are you’ll face prosecution beneath VC 12500. A lawyer could possibly enable you to deal with these prices. You will get authorized help now by calling the quantity in your display screen. You too can full our on-line contact kind.
Contact us in case you are going through infraction or misdemeanor prices for driving on an expired license. We’ll offer you a free session. Attain out to us immediately.
