Police officers in California arrest many people for driving under the influence (DUI) every year. Some drivers wonder if they can get a DUI without a license. You can get arrested and convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles even if you don’t have a driver’s license.
In fact, getting arrested for a DUI without a license can lead to other serious charges. It is against the law to operate a vehicle without a license. This means you can end up facing multiple criminal charges if you are caught driving and you don’t have a license. Find out more about these charges right here.
Driver’s License Requirements in California
All drivers in California are legally required to have a license before they operate a vehicle. Drivers who are caught operating a vehicle without a license can face criminal charges. The exact charges you face can vary. Some drivers face charges because they:
Never Got a Driver’s License
Some drivers enter the state of California and simply never get a driver’s license. They decide to operate a vehicle without visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and acquiring the proper certification.
California uses Vehicle Code (VEH) §12500 to prosecute drivers accused of driving without a license. The court can treat VEH §12500 as either an infraction or a misdemeanor. Infractions can lead to fines of up to $250. Misdemeanors can lead to:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
Drivers facing concurrent charges for a DUI may end up facing misdemeanor VEH §12500 charges. However, the prosecution gets to decide on the exact charges to use for each case. Find out more about this process by calling us at (310) 896-2724.
Drove on a Suspended or Revoked License
The DMV can suspend a driver’s license in some situations. The DMV often suspends a license after a DUI arrest, for example. However, other traffic violations can also lead to a driver’s license suspension in California. Drivers are not supposed to operate a vehicle with a suspended license. If they do, they can face charges under:
VEH §14601.1 is the general charge used for driving on a suspended or revoked license in California. VEH §14601.2 is used if a driver’s license was suspended for a DUI conviction. In most cases, these convictions lead to:
- Up to six months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
However, the penalties are more severe if a driver gets multiple VEH §14601.2 violations. A driver with two VEH §14601.2 convictions can face one year of jail time and fines of up to $2,000. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you better understand these charges.
Understand DUI Charges in Los Angeles
Drivers face DUI charges if they are accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These charges are often treated very seriously in our state. There are a large number of criminal charges associated with DUIs, including:
- VEH §23136: Under 21 DUI
- VEH §23152(a): Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- VEH §23152(f): Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
These charges can come with a number of different penalties. For example, drivers under 21 accused of a DUI may only face a license suspension. However, the results of a DUI conviction are usually more serious. Drivers convicted of a DUI can expect to deal with:
- Thousands of dollars in fines
- Time spent in jail
- Time in an alcohol education program
Our team can step in to support you if you are accused of a DUI with or without a license in Los Angeles.
Driver’s License Suspensions and DUI Charges
As we mentioned, the DMV can suspend your license after a DUI. However, the state often allows drivers to continue driving following a DUI conviction. Drivers can get a restricted license if they install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicles.
You should be able to continue driving as normal if you install an IID after a DUI conviction. We’re ready to help you review all your legal options after a DUI arrest. Contact us now to learn more.
Find Out How You Can Fight a DUI without a License Charge in California
You can face DUI charges even if you are driving without a license. You can also face charges for operating a vehicle without a license. Our Los Angeles DUI lawyers are here to help you face these accusations. Find out how we can help you build a strong defense with a free consultation.
Let us build your defense now. Call us at (310) 896-2724. You can also complete our online contact form.