It might surprise you that California began requiring licenses to drive legally in 1913. However, the state did not require exams for licensing until 1927.
Whether your license has been suspended or you never obtained it in the first place, driving without one can have major legal consequences.
Understanding these consequences can help you take the required course of action if you find yourself in trouble with the law. Let's explore what can happen if you're pulled over while driving without a license.
You Forgot Your License
Forgetting your license doesn't prevent you from being charged with a crime. If you're pulled over without it, you could find yourself dealing with expensive fees and potential jail time if it's not your first offense.
In some cases, the officer you deal with could issue you a warning. As long as they can verify the information you provide and you aren't committing other crimes, you might be able to get away without a ticket.
However, things can quickly go awry if you've never been issued a driver's license by the state of California. In this scenario, the potential consequences are far more serious since it would be illegal for you to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways.
Your License Was Suspended or Revoked
A judge could suspend a driver's license for a variety of reasons, such as driving while under the influence or reckless driving. Regardless of why you temporarily or permanently lost your license, you can encounter many legal complications if you choose to drive before it's reinstated.
Law enforcement will not be as lenient in situations like these because they could argue that you should have learned from your previous case.
Be Respectful
If you get pulled over without a license, the last thing you should do is disrespect the officer. This will only make your situation far worse. Comply with the officer's instructions so you can make a good impression.
Many law enforcement professionals want to do their job and avoid making it harder than necessary. The officer might ask you questions that seem irrelevant or intrusive.
To clarify, they could ask you where you're going, where you're coming from, and who you were with. They might also ask why you don't have your license with you (or why you don't have a valid license).
Don't Panic
If things don't seem like they'll go your way, don't panic. You'll be able to sort the situation out at a later time.
For example, let's assume the officer declares they will charge you with a crime for not having your license while driving. Arguing with them won't get you anywhere and could worsen your situation. Instead, do as instructed so you can resolve the conflict as soon as possible.
Hire an Attorney
If you are arrested or receive a ticket or citation, you'll need to hire a lawyer. Not all attorneys are created equal, though, and there are certain attributes to consider. Let's explore the key information to consider.
Reputation
See what other people online have to say about working with that lawyer. Were they satisfied with the results they got? Did they encounter issues the attorney can help them with?
The answers to questions like these will help you narrow down your search. Keep an eye out for fake reviews during your search, as well.
These are often posted in batches and contain similar keywords. They can be negative or positive, and you should disregard them when making your assessment.
Stay wary of law firms that don't have any previous feedback. It's not worth taking a risk in this scenario. With enough vigilance, you shouldn't have an issue finding the right choice for your needs.
Pricing
You get what you pay for regarding legal services. Choosing the cheapest attorney will likely cause you to fall short of your goals. Lawyers in this category often cut corners to save money.
However, you don't need to spend as much money as possible. There's a point of diminishing returns regarding what you budget for. Instead, you should look for an attorney in the middle of the industry's price range.
This can help you meet your goals without stretching your budget. Also, consider the miscellaneous fees they charge.
To clarify, some attorneys will allow you to contact them outside of regular business hours but charge extra money for this service. The last thing you want is to encounter financial surprises when you get your bill.
Area of Concentration
There are countless nuances of traffic law that your lawyer can focus on. Some attorneys primarily deal with car accidents, while others aim to help pedestrians who were injured by moving vehicles.
Find a lawyer who typically works with clients like you. They should understand the key details of handling cases where the defendant was driving without a license.
Experience
How experienced are they? No matter what their advertisements claim, you can't be sure they'll follow through on their promises unless they have sufficient experience. In general, it's best to find a lawyer who's been around for at least a decade.
If they plan on going to trial, what is their track record? Some lawyers focus primarily on settling out of court.
While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, you could be at a disadvantage if your case goes to trial. Even if your situation doesn't require you to go to trial, working with someone experienced in this area can provide peace of mind.
Avoid Driving Without a License
It's imperative to follow traffic laws while on the road. However, if you're pulled over for driving without a license, you need to contact the right attorney. This will help ensure you get the right results for your situation.
F Your Ticket prides itself on helping Southern Californians handle their traffic law violations. With our help, you'll be able to tackle your legal issues and get back on the road quickly and safely. You can learn more about the benefits we offer when you schedule a free consultation with us today!