What happens if I drive while suspended?

For anyone arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles County, the prospect of losing the ability to drive for any period of time is likely to cause some level of stress, anxiety and disbelief. The normal response normally involves something like this; "How I am supposed to get to work, perform my job and drive my kids to school?" There is no easy answer to this.

Ofcourse, the first step in defending a DUI is to contact the DMV to stay any suspension pending the outcome of the hearing, and then find arguments to try to avoid the suspension. If a suspension is ordered, then it is necessary to take the steps to reinstate as soon as possible on a restricted license. However, on a first offense, there is a mandatory thirty day suspension period before a licensee is eligible for a restricted license.

The question inevitably arises; "So what if I drive on a suspended license and I get caught?"

Driving on a suspended license when the suspension is following a DUI conviction, is a violation of vehicle code section 14601.2. Penalties involve a vehicle impound for thirty days, the requirement that an ignition interlock device be installed in the vehicle for one to three years and a minimum of ten days in county jail.

If you have any questions about the consequences of a DUI arrest and the potential impact on your privilege to drive in California, please call specialist LA and Orange County DUI Lawyers, Gold & Witham.