Driving with a Suspended License

In California, many offenses result in a suspension of driving privileges. But for most Californians, it is nearly impossible to live their lives without driving. It is not surprising that many get caught driving with a suspended license.

Attorney John W. Thornton can help people throughout the Santa Cruz area who have been caught driving with a suspended license. With more than 15 years of experience as a Northern California criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Thornton has the experience and knowledge to lessen your punishments, reconcile your record, and work toward an expungement, if necessary. Contact us for a free phone consultation.

Possible Punishments

Many people see driving with suspended license as a minor offense -- but California courts do not see it that way. Typical punishments include more than $1000 in fines, your car being impounded, and even jail time.

But it is very important to know that you can only be guilty of driving with a suspended license if you were aware that your license was suspended. Often the DMV has neglected to even tell people that their licenses have been suspended, or they have claimed to have mailed notices, but the driver has not received the notice.

Working with the DMV

Dealing with the California DMV is a bizarre process involving a maze of bureaucratic steps. The laws often don't make sense and are not well-known. And in cases of driving with a suspended license, there are often many procedures to work through.

Attorney John Thornton can represent you before the DMV and explain your situation. Mr. Thornton regularly wades through the bureaucracy and guides clients toward re-establishing their driving privileges.

Reasons for Suspended Licenses

California courts can suspend driving licenses for a vast number or reasons. Some are intuitive, such as DUI or getting too many points on your license (4 points in one year, 6 in two years, or 8 in three years will cause a suspension). Many have nothing to do with driving, such as vandalism, failure to pay child support, or possession of marijuana as minor, etc.

As a full-service criminal defense lawyer, John Thornton can help you with accusations of driving on a suspended license, as well as other charges you are facing. He can also help you regain your driver's license. He has helped thousands of people throughout Northern California with everything from shoplifting to assault charges.

The Santa Cruz, California office of John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law provides skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense representation to residents of Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Big Basin, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Capitola, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Las Lomas, Lompico, Los Gatos, Mount Hermon, Pajaro, Paradise Park, Rio del Mar, Royal Oaks, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, Seascape, Soquel and Watsonville.