If you get caught driving without a license in California, you could face criminal charges. The state considers operating a motor vehicle without a valid license a crime, so depending on your situation, you could face fines or spend time in jail.
If the police catch you driving without a driver’s license, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel to fight your charges. You can ask a Los Angeles DUI lawyer what if you get pulled over without your license, and your attorney can help you mitigate the consequences you’re up against.
Is it Illegal to Drive Without a License in California?
California considers it illegal to drive a motor vehicle without a valid license. The state uses CA Vehicle Code 12500 to charge and prosecute drivers who drive without proper licensure.
When accused of a crime based on this code, you can face an infraction or misdemeanor charge. Infractions are only minor charges, but misdemeanor charges are much more serious.
What Are the Penalties for Infractions?
In California, the courts typically treat infractions as minor charges. If you receive an infraction, the primary consequence is commonly a small fine, which usually amounts to approximately $250.
What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanors?
Some unlicensed drivers face misdemeanor charges. Misdemeanor accusations tend to be more severe and lead to more significant consequences than infractions.
When you get a misdemeanor charge, it is likely because this is your second offense of driving without a license. These are the most common misdemeanor penalties for people convicted of driving without a license:
- Fines of $1,000 maximum
- A maximum of six months in jail
Keeping a valid driver’s license with you whenever you operate your vehicle can help you avoid this kind of charge. You can learn more about criminal cases, infractions, and misdemeanors through government websites.
You can also reach out to an attorney for personalized legal advice.
How Do Police Catch You Driving Without a License?
If a police officer stops you, they will likely ask for your driver’s license. You will also be required to provide proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you do not have your license or your license has expired, you might have a problem on your hands.
You may face VC 12500 charges if the following circumstances are true:
- You have yet to obtain a driver’s license.
- You had a driver’s license, but it was not renewed on time.
- You relocated to California, and you haven’t replaced your out-of-state license.
A ticket or charge may be issued if you cannot provide proof of your driver’s license during a legal stop. However, it is essential to note police officers are not allowed to stop you only because they suspect you may not have a license.
Usually, police officers discover your lack of proper licensure during stops made for other reasons, such as speeding, reckless driving, or a different traffic violation. After the police stop you, they may issue a traffic ticket based on other actions you took.
Note that you can also face charges for violating CA Vehicle Code 16028, which requires all drivers to carry insurance while operating their vehicles. Similarly, a violation of CA Vehicle Code 12951(a) may apply if you fail to present a driver’s license behind the wheel.
How Can Lawyers Help if You Were Caught Driving Without a License?
You can face charges for driving without a license for many reasons, even if you have a valid license but accidentally left it at home. Fortunately, a criminal defense attorney can help you deal with this situation.
Your lawyer could argue that you have a license—it just wasn’t on your person or in your possession at the time. If you have a license yet you’re facing VC 12500 charges, speak to a lawyer immediately.
If you can show the court your license, you might be able to avoid other penalties. For those with a valid license from another state, a lawyer can help you sort things out by acquiring DMV records from your original state. This can help mitigate your VC 12500 charges.
Can You Get a License as a Way of Resolving Your Pending Charges?
If you face an arrest for not having a valid driver’s license while operating a vehicle, you may have the opportunity to put your case on hold while you acquire a proper license. Once you obtain a proper license, the court can reassess your case.
For example, people with misdemeanor charges could have the charges dropped down to a minor infraction. In some cases, the court may completely dismiss your charges.
If your goal is to have charges dropped entirely, hiring an attorney to help guide you through the legal process makes sense. Legal counsel can significantly increase your chances of avoiding a conviction.
What Happens if You Have Multiple Charges for Driving Without a License?
If you have multiple charges on your driving record, the outcome may differ depending on the details of your situation. However, under certain circumstances, some second-time offenders receive a grace period to get a proper license.
You can speak with a lawyer after an initial or subsequent offense to learn about your specific options.
Do You Need to Have a License if You’re Not the One Driving?
If you were not driving at the time of your arrest, you should be able to avoid charges altogether. It is not illegal to sit in a car while you do not have a driver’s license. Instead, you are not legally supposed to drive the vehicle.
If this is the situation you have found yourself in, speak to a lawyer about your case. Through the case assessment process, your attorney can help you review your options for building an effective legal defense.
Call a Los Angeles DUI Attorney Immediately for Legal Representation and Advocacy
What happens if you get caught driving without a license in California? Being caught in this situation can quickly lead to criminal charges being filed. To avoid this, have a lawyer help you combat the accusations.
Legal representation can help prevent a conviction. This means you’re far more likely to avoid jail time and any fines associated with the potential conviction. Contact Los Angeles DUI Lawyer to be connected with an attorney who can help you.
