California VC 14601.2 Driving With Suspended License for DUI

Any driver who continues to operate a vehicle after a license suspension or revocation as a result of driving under the influence or causing an injury while driving under the influence could face additional criminal charges under California Vehicle Code Section 14601.2.

A Los Angeles suspended license lawyer can help you review how this charge compares to other charges for driving on a suspended license. You can also consider the penalties for a conviction and potential legal defenses.

Understanding California’s VC 14601.2

Our Los Angeles traffic violation lawyer can help you understand this California Vehicle Code Section 14601.2: Driving With Suspended License for DUI Conviction.
The court system in California can use VC 14601.2 charges to prosecute individuals who operate a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license if the suspension or revocation was the result of a conviction for:

Note that the driver must be aware that their license was suspended or revoked for VC 14601.2 charges to apply. Generally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send drivers a “notice of a suspension.” Once this notice is mailed, the court system can treat drivers as aware of the suspension or revocation.

For a free legal consultation with a driving with suspended license for dui conviction lawyer serving California, call (310) 896-2723

Restricted Licenses and VC 14601.2 Charges

You should also be aware that drivers could be prosecuted under VC 14601.2 if they are granted a restricted license after a DUI conviction and do not obey the terms of the restriction. For example, California sometimes allows drivers to continue operating a vehicle after a DUI if they install an ignition interlock device (IID).

A driver who agrees to install this device to maintain a restricted license but fails to complete the installation could be charged under VC 14601.2.

California Driving With Suspended License for DUI Conviction Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723

Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License for a DUI Conviction

Driving with a suspended license for a DUI conviction is considered a misdemeanor-level offense in California’s court system. Drivers may face the following penalties if they are convicted under VC 14601.2:

1st VC 14601.2 Conviction

Fines: up to $1,000
Jail time: up to Six Months

2nd VC 14601.2 Conviction

Fines: up to $2,000
Jail time: up to one year

You should be aware that a second VC 14601.2 offense must occur within five years of the first offense to be counted as a subsequent violation. Once five years have expired, another VC 14601.2 violation will be treated as a first-time conviction.

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Other Charges for Operating a Vehicle on an Invalid License in California

VC 14601.2 is only one of the charges used to prosecute individuals who operate their vehicle without a valid license. The court system in California can also use the following charges to handle this action:

Drivers who repeatedly operate their vehicle on an invalid license may even be deemed habitual traffic offenders in the court system. Once a driver is considered a habitual traffic offender, the courts can begin utilizing harsher charges to penalize all traffic offenses.

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Defenses for Driving With a Suspended License for DUI Conviction Charges

You may be able to deal with a VC 14601.2 accusation effectively by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles right away. The faster you get help on your side, the better your odds of beating VC 14601.2 charges. A criminal defense lawyer could demonstrate that:

You Weren’t Operating a Motor Vehicle

You should only be convicted under VC 14601.2 if you were operating a vehicle. This means you should not be charged merely for sitting in a car. As long as the engine of the vehicle was not running, you could avoid driving with a suspended license for DUI conviction charges.

You Were Unaware Your License Was Suspended or Revoked

VC 14601.2 charges should only apply if you knew your license had been suspended or revoked for a DUI conviction. If your DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can successfully show that the DMV did not mail you a notice of suspension or revocation, you could resolve these charges in your favor.

Your License Was Not Suspended or Revoked for a DUI

The court only uses VC 14601.2 charges to deal with drivers who operate a vehicle after their license is suspended or revoked for a DUI. If your license was suspended or revoked for another reason, you might still face charges, but you should not be convicted under VC 14601.2.

A VC 14601.2 Charge Can Impact Car Insurance

A conviction under California’s Vehicle Code 14601.2 for driving on a suspended license due to a DUI can lead to a significant increase in car insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider this type of conviction high-risk, which often results in a dramatic hike in rates.

In some cases, an insurer may decide to cancel the driver’s policy altogether or refuse renewal. After a VC 14601.2 conviction, drivers may be required to file an SR-22 certificate, which proves financial responsibility but also alerts insurers to the conviction, typically raising costs even further.

Additionally, finding a new insurance provider willing to cover a high-risk driver can be challenging. Many drivers end up with fewer options and higher coverage costs, creating a long-term financial burden.

Speak With a Lawyer About VC 14601.2 Charges Today

Facing criminal charges can be stressful as your future may hang in the balance. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging period alone. Simmrin Law Group has decades of legal experience defending thousands of clients.

A criminal defense lawyer can help you deal with California Vehicle Code Section 14601.2: Driving with Suspended License for DUI Conviction accusations. Find out more about your legal options by contacting us for a free consultation.

Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form