This is a widespread offense that I represent clients throughout Los Angeles County and the various courthouses related to DUI cases. I've been doing it now for 25 years, and this is something that the police target. Driving on a suspended license for a DUI conviction is described under California Vehicle Code 14601.2.
They get people for driving on a suspended license — and their support was broken because they got a DUI, didn't comply with everything they were supposed to with the DMV, and then started driving again.
This is a common offense because people have to drive in California. In other words, it's such a vast city. It's so crowded that people have jobs and various other things that they have to do that it's just not feasible not to drive.
Sometimes, people have to get a job. Sometimes, they have to get to a medical appointment. There's a whole host of reasons why people have to drive. So, during the time they're not supposed to be going, during that punishment time for their DUI related to their driver's license, people end up going, and for some reason, they get pulled over.
Probation Violation and Jail Time
One would expect individuals to exercise more caution when driving on a suspended license, especially considering the reason for the suspension-a DUI. The potential consequences, including criminal charges and the looming threat of jail time, should serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation.
They're also going to get what's called a probation violation in their DUI case, and they're going to have to go back and face that judge again. Part of the terms and conditions of a DUI probation is to not drive without a valid driver's license because they know people will go.
They know people are dangerous out on the road who get DUI cases. I'm arguing with prosecutors all the time because they're trying to put my client in jail based on driving on a suspended license because of a DUI.
They consider that much more of a problem than somebody driving on a suspended license, maybe because they got points or didn't pay their registration fee or whatever reason.
One mitigating factor that I do point out to the prosecutors is whether the person wasn't drinking and driving when they were pulled over for the suspended license violation.
Defenses for Suspended License Cases
But, also, if the person was driving safely and just got pulled over for some ticky-tack reason or even another thing we see happening throughout LA county, there's something called an H20 Squad. These guys are particularly troubled in Van Nuys court. They will figure out all the people who have court appearances for DUI on a given day. They will then camp outside the courthouse.
The H20 Squad is a group that operates in Van Nuys court. They monitor individuals with DUI court appearances and observe their behavior after the court session. If they see someone driving with a suspended license, they will pull them over, leading to further legal issues. This group is particularly active in Van Nuys court, where they will figure out all the people who have court appearances for DUI on a given day and then camp outside the courthouse to catch potential violators.
They're going to cause them to get a probation violation, and they're going to cite them and arrest them for a new suspended license case. A probation violation can lead to more severe penalties, including extended probation periods, additional fines, or even jail time. They know when they capture people like that number one, the person's license will probably get suspended for a more extended period because of that arrest ad-related offense.
They know the person is likely to go to jail probably. So, they're targeting and preying on these people coming out of the courts.
It's crucial to understand the risks and potential consequences of driving on a suspended license. However, with the right legal representation, such as an experienced attorney like myself, these risks can be mitigated. I am here to help you navigate this challenging situation and strive for the best possible outcome for your case.
