Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley Suspended License Attorney

Losing your privilege to drive a motor vehicle in Los Angeles County can put you in a difficult situation. However, there are many effective approaches in Los Angeles County Courts where you can avoid the endless revolving doors, and resolve the situation. If you are charged with Driving on a Suspended License, Driving on a Revoked License, or Driving without a Valid License, it is important to have a skilled attorney to guide you through the complexities of the judicial system, to find the best approach to handle your particular case.

Suspended License Lawyer Gregory Caplan has handled 100s of court cases in Los Angeles involving charges of Driving on A Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License (Vehicle Code sections 14601, 14601.1, 14601.2, and 14601.5), as well as Driving Without A Valid Driver’s License (Vehicle Code section 12500(a)), as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Mr. Caplan emphasizes positive outcomes for the judges and prosecutors to consider, so his clients have the opportunities to solve their particular situations efficiently and effectively. Mr. Caplan’s approaches focus on “Globally Resolving” the problems, so his clients don’t continue through the endless revolving doors of the DMV and Court system.

It does little good to walk into court, represent yourself, plead guilty to a charge of Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License, and ignore the underlying causes which placed you in the situation in the first place. Mr. Caplan looks at each individual client’s case to see the best ways to deal with the situation. In many cases, Mr. Caplan works on clearing up the underlying causes of the suspension, requests court clearances of DMV holds, and brings his clients back to court with valid licenses. There are many alternatives which can dramatically improve the outcome in court, and it is important to have an attorney who is familiar with the best options.

There are many reasons for DMV to take action against a person’s privilege to drive. They include Failure to Appear, Failure to Pay a Fine, Failure to Return to Court, DUI/Drunk Driving, Excessive Blood Alcohol, Refusing to Take a Chemical Test When Requested to do so by a Police Officer, and Negligent Operator, to name a few. The minimum penalties for a violation of Driving When Your License Is Suspended depend on the particular section which is charged by the prosecutor. Each violation counts as a two-point violation on a person’s DMV record, which is the same point violation as a DUI, Reckless Driving, or Exhibition of Speed Violation. An experienced Suspended License Lawyer will make efforts to obtain a charge which does not carry a two-point violation.

There are many cases where a person has been charged with a Suspended License violation, where the charge is incorrectly filed, or overfilled. Because of the many nuances with this area of law, police officers, as well as prosecutors, oftentimes make mistakes when filing Suspended License charges. An effective Suspended License Lawyer will quickly know if a mistake has been made and how best to address it. The intricacies are apparent below.

Common Suspended License and Related charges and punishments include:

Vehicle Code section 12500(a) – Driving without a Valid California Driver License. No minimum penalty. Maximum penalty is up to six months in jail and $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000).

Vehicle Code section 14601(a) - Negligent Operator. Minimum penalty is 5 days jail and ~ $1200 fine. Maximum penalty is a fine of $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000) and six months in jail.

Vehicle Code section 14601.1(a) - Failure to Appear/Return to Court/Pay Fine, Failure to Pay Child Support, Unsatisfied Judgment. Minimum penalty is a fine of $300+ penalty assessments (about $1200). Maximum penalty is a fine of $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000) and six months in jail.

Vehicle Code section 14601.2(a) - Drunk Driving or Drugs. Minimum penalty is 10 days jail and a fine of $300+ penalty assessments. Maximum penalty is a fine of $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000) and six months in jail.

Vehicle Code section 14601.5(a) - Excessive Blood Alcohol Level or Refusal of a Chemical Test. Minimum penalty is 5 days jail and ~ $1200 fine. Maximum penalty is a fine of $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000) and six months in jail.

If a prior conviction of Vehicle Code section 14601  is alleged and proven, a person can be sentenced to one year in the county jail and fined $1000+ penalty assessments (about $4000).

When a person is convicted of Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, he/she can be jailed, given huge fines, have their vehicle impounded and forfeited, as well as have additional negative DMV consequences.  For this reason, if you are charged with this type of crime, it is always in your best interest to speak with a skilled defense lawyer.

If you have been charged with Driving on a Suspended License/Revoked License/No License, you should speak to qualified Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley criminal defense attorney Gregory Caplan.  The consequences for these violation are far too severe to forgo the representation of a knowledgeable lawyer.  An attorney can defend you in court, challenge evidence presented against you, and safeguard your individual rights. 

Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley Criminal Defense Attorney
The Law Offices of Gregory Caplan are proud to provide dependable legal counsel for clients throughout Los Angeles & the San Fernando Valley.  As an attorney with years of practice experience, Gregory Caplan has helped clients contest their serious Vehicle Code violation charges.  Mr. Caplan understands the life altering effects a criminal conviction can have on his clients, which is why he strives to provide them with efficient and effective representation.  With offices in Burbank, Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, as well as the San Fernando Valley, Gregory Caplan is prepared to handle your criminal case.

If you have been charged with a Vehicle Code violation or traffic infraction in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, call The Law Offices of Gregory Caplan to discuss your legal options today at (213) 400-5355.

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