What happens if you get caught driving without a license in California? The state considers operating a motor vehicle without a valid license a crime, so depending on your situation, you could face fines or even 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. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer may help you mitigate the consequences of driving without a license and help with charges for more serious driving offenses.
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 Vehicle Code 12500 to charge and prosecute drivers who drive without proper licensure. You can face an infraction or misdemeanor charge when accused of a crime based on this code.
The infractions are only minor charges, while misdemeanor charges are more serious.
What Are the Penalties for Infractions?
In California, the court typically treats infractions as minor charges. If you get an infraction, the primary consequence is usually a small fine, which amounts to approximately $250 for most drivers.
What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanors?
Some unlicensed drivers face charges for a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor accusations tend to be more severe and often 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.
How Do Police Catch You Driving Without a License?
If a police officer stops you, they will ask for your driver’s license under most circumstances. 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 will have a problem.
You may face VC 12500 charges if:
- You have not obtained a driver’s license
- You had a driver’s license and did not have it renewed on time
- You relocated to California from elsewhere but did not get your license replaced
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, you may receive a traffic ticket for other actions.
Note that you can also face charges for driving without insurance or failing to present a driver’s license.
How Do Lawyers Help if You Drive Without a License?
You can face charges for driving without a license if you have a valid license but left it at home. Fortunately, a criminal defense attorney can help you deal with this situation. Your lawyer may argue that you have a license.
If you have a license and face VC 12500 charges, speak to a lawyer immediately. If you can show the court your license, you may avoid any potential penalties.
A lawyer can also help if you have a valid license from another state. They can help you sort things out by acquiring DMV records from your original state, mitigating your VC 12500 charges.
Can You Get a License to Resolve Your 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.
Can You Deal with Multiple Charges for Driving Without a License?
If you have multiple charges on your driving record, you may expect different outcomes. 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 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, you need to 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.
Learn More About Driving Without a License
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.
Getting lethal help may prevent a conviction, allowing you to avoid jail time and any associated fines. You can learn more about your situation and review your next steps when you contact us.