In order to legally drive in California and every state for that matter, you must have a valid driver license. California driver licenses don’t stay good forever. They expire after a certain number of years. They can also be suspended or revoked if someone is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), if they fail to appear in court, or if they get too many points on their driving record. California driver licenses can also be suspended for the failure to pay child support among other reasons.
To drive without a valid driver license is against the law. It doesn’t matter if the license is expired, suspended or revoked, you cannot drive unless it’s valid. It’s also illegal to drive if you’ve never had a valid California driver license. We often see people driving without a license when they are teenagers who’ve never had a license, or when they’re non-U.S. citizens who haven’t taken the steps to become legally licensed in California.
What About Unlicensed Drivers & DUI?
Sometimes, unlicensed drivers are arrested and convicted of DUI while driving without a valid driver license. When this happens, the unlicensed driver may have all sorts of questions, such as:
- Which law am I breaking by driving without a license?
- Will I go to jail for DUI?
- Will I be barred from obtaining a driver license?
- Will I be deported?
- Will the DUI affect my immigration status?
- When I get auto insurance, will it be really expensive?
- What are the fines?
- If I leave the U.S., can I come back?
- Will the DUI bar me from becoming a U.S. citizen?
- Will my current license suspension (or revocation) be longer now?
- When can I drive again?
- Will I have to install an Ignition Interlock Device?
Penalties for DUI Without a License
The penalties for getting a DUI while driving without a license vary depending on the facts of the case, such as: 1) if your license was suspended or revoked for DUI, 2) if you’re on probation or parole, 3) your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of your arrest, 4) your immigration status, 5) if you were driving on a suspended or revoked license for a reason other than DUI, and 6) your criminal record.
Related: DUI Probation in Oakland, California
Instead of worrying about all of the things that could go wrong, our advice is to pick up the phone and contact us at the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed. Our Oakland DUI attorney will be more than glad to answer your questions and help you seek a positive resolution in your case. Contact us today to set up your initial consultation.