Are you facing charges for diriving without a license in Los Angeles?

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 12500 it is a crime to drive without a valid driver’s license. This charge is different from California Vehicle Code Section 14601, which will be charged if your license has been revoked or suspended.

California Vehicle Code Section 12500 is typically charged when someone has failed to renew a driver's license, never got a license in the first place, or becomes a California resident, and hasn’t gotten a new driver's license within 10 days of California residency.

If you are facing charges for driving without a license in California, contact experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Miles Booth at 424 272 1134.

How does the prosecution prove that I am guilty of Driving Without a License?

To prove that you are guilty of driving without a license, the prosecutor must prove that you;

Drove a motor vehicle on a publicly maintained street;

Without a valid California driver’s license; and

You were not excused from the requirement to have a California driver’s license

A motor vehicle includes any vehicle, motorcycle, motor scooter, bus, school bus, commercial vehicle, truck tractor and trailer.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer, Miles Booth

How can I defend myself against a Driving Without a License charge?

The most common defenses to a driving without a license charge are that you;

Were visiting and hold a valid driver license your place of residence

Are legally exempt from having to have a license

Were not driving

Have a valid driver's license that wasn't in your possession at the time of the traffic stop

Just because you have been accused of driving without a license does not mean that you will be convicted. Call Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Miles Booth to discuss how to best defend your case.

What are the Penalties for Driving Without a License?

Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 12500, Driving Without a License is a “wobbler”. This means that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or an infraction. If it is charged as a misdemeanor, the maximum penalty is;

six months in county jail, and/or

a $1,000 fine

If charged as an infraction, the maximum penalty is a $250 court fine. Often, the prosecutor is willing to reduce a California Vehicle Code Section 12500 charge to an infraction, or sometimes dismiss the case entirely, if you are able to obtain a valid California driver’s license while the case is pending.

Contact Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Miles Booth

Facing charges for driving without license can be scary. It is foolish to fight these cases alone. It is important to have a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney by your side.

As a former prosecutor, Miles Booth understands the complexities of these cases and the blueprints for beating, or substantially mitigating the charges. Miles Booth has successfully handled thousands of cases throughout Los Angeles and will aggressively defend your case to get you the best outcome possible.

To learn more about your options going forward, contact Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer, Miles Booth, for a free consultation at 424 272 1134.