Bakersfield Suspended License Lawyer
Protecting Your License & Your Future
If you are facing a suspended license or a charge for driving on a suspended license, the impact can reach every part of your life. Losing the ability to drive can put your job, your family obligations, and even your freedom at risk. You may be worried about court, confused by DMV notices, and unsure what to do next.
At Humphrey & Thompson, we help drivers turn that uncertainty into a clear plan. Our boutique criminal defense firm serves people in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County who are accused of license related offenses. You work directly with seasoned criminal defense attorneys, not a revolving door of faces, so you always know who is standing with you.
Our team includes board-certified criminal law attorneys recognized by the State Bar of California, and we have handled more than 5,000 criminal cases. We draw on that depth of experience to evaluate what your suspended license really means, what penalties you may be facing, and what steps may help protect your record and driving privilege.
Call to speak with our defense team about your suspended license situation.
What Does It Mean to Drive With a Suspended License in California?
In California, driving with a suspended or revoked license is typically charged under Vehicle Code §14601 and related statutes. This traffic offense occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while knowing—or reasonably expected to know—that their driving privileges were suspended or revoked by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Prosecutors do not always need to prove you had actual knowledge of the suspension. If the DMV mailed a notice to your last known address, the court may presume you were aware. This makes it especially important to work with an experienced Bakersfield suspended license lawyer who can identify weaknesses in the case against you.
How Can Your Driver’s License Be Suspended?
Driver’s license suspensions happen for many reasons, and not all involve dangerous driving behavior. Common causes include:
DUI or Drug-Related Offenses
A DUI arrest or conviction can trigger an immediate administrative suspension, even before your criminal case is resolved. Repeat DUI offenses often result in longer suspension or revocation periods.
Excessive Traffic Violations
Accumulating too many points on your driving record within a short time frame can lead to suspension as a “negligent operator.”
Failure to Appear in Court
Missing a traffic court date or ignoring a citation can result in an automatic license suspension.
Failure to Pay Fines or Fees
Unpaid traffic tickets, court fines, or DMV fees may cause your driving privileges to be suspended until resolved.
Driving Without Insurance
If you are involved in an accident or fail to maintain proper auto insurance, the DMV may suspend your license.
Medical or Physical Conditions
Certain medical conditions that impair safe driving can also result in suspension if reported to the DMV.
Understanding why your license was suspended is critical to building a strong defense.
Penalties for Driving With a Suspended License
The penalties for driving on a suspended license in Bakersfield depend on the reason for the suspension and whether you have prior convictions.
First Offense (Misdemeanor)
- Fines ranging from $300 to $1,000
- Possible jail time up to 6 months
- Additional license suspension
- Vehicle impoundment in some cases
- Probation
Repeat Offenses
- Mandatory jail time (often 5–10 days or more)
- Higher fines and court costs
- Longer suspension or license revocation
- Increased insurance rates
If your suspension was related to a DUI, penalties are typically more severe, and judges are less flexible. Our Bakersfield suspended license attorney can often negotiate alternatives to jail or work toward charge reductions.
Legal Defenses to Driving With a Suspended License
Just because you were cited does not mean you will be convicted. At Humphrey & Thompson, we evaluate every case for potential defenses, including:
Lack of Knowledge
If you never received notice of the suspension or recently changed addresses, the prosecution may not be able to prove you knowingly drove with a suspended license.
Invalid or Improper Suspension
DMV errors happen more often than people realize. An improper or incorrectly processed suspension may invalidate the charge.
Emergency or Necessity
In limited circumstances, driving may be justified by a true emergency, such as seeking urgent medical care.
Incorrect Identification or Stop
If the traffic stop was unlawful or based on mistaken identity, evidence may be suppressed.
Suspended License FAQs
Here are several frequently asked questions about driving with a suspended license:
Is driving with a suspended license a felony in California?
Most suspended license cases are misdemeanors. However, repeated offenses or cases involving serious injuries can lead to harsher consequences.
Can I go to jail for driving with a suspended license in Bakersfield?
Yes. Jail is possible, especially for repeat offenses or DUI-related suspensions, but an experienced lawyer may help you avoid incarceration.
How do I get my license reinstated?
Reinstatement usually requires paying fines, resolving the underlying issue, filing proof of insurance (SR-22), and paying a DMV reinstatement fee.
Will this charge affect my insurance?
Yes. A conviction can significantly increase your insurance premiums or lead to cancellation.
Should I hire a lawyer for a suspended license charge?
Absolutely. A Bakersfield suspended license lawyer can often reduce penalties, protect your record, and guide you through reinstatement.
criminal law specialists
Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
At Humphrey & Thompson, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Aimee G.
The process was easy and they made it so that I didn't have to appear in court. I highly recommended them!
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- Felicia E.
He values his clients and understands their individual needs. He will work hard to guarantee that justice is served for everyone involved. He is honest and supportive throughout the entire process. We will never forget what Kyle has done for us.
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- Former Client
Jared and his staff, not exaggerating were on top of it all. If I called to talk to the girls in the front they handled everything right away, Jared reputation for being THE BEST matched him perfect. We had issues with the anger management classes and the staff really cared and helped us. Jared helped my son who was facing some serious charges but he genuinely cared about the whole truth and we got blessed tremendously! we are forever grateful and truly couldnt have imagined the outcome had we NOT hired him! Loved them thank you so much sincerely!
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- Cesar M.
They were very straightforward about the possible outcomes and always seemed to be one step ahead in planning our defense strategy. The paralegal staff was also courteous and prompt in their responses, which made the whole stressful process much more bearable. I am profoundly grateful for their services. the Martinez Lugo family we loved them we really recommended thanks so much :)
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Randy K.
Due to the distance away from the Bakersfield area I was able to deal with the firm by phone and email. Phone service was very timely and they made me feel comfortable. If needed, I would use their services again and recommend this law office.
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Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Why Our Team Is Different
When your license is on the line, you do not need a high-volume office where your case becomes just another file. You need focused attention and an informed strategy. We are a boutique criminal defense firm, and that structure is by design. Clients work closely with attorneys like Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson from the beginning of the case through its resolution.
Our attorneys are board-certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California. This certification reflects advanced testing, evaluation, and a sustained focus on criminal practice. For someone accused of driving on a suspended license or facing a complicated history of prior cases, that level of training can be critical. It means we are comfortable dealing with layered issues like probation, prior DUI convictions, and overlapping court and DMV problems.
We have managed more than 5,000 criminal cases over decades in state and federal courts, including in the criminal courthouses of Kern County. Through that experience, we have seen how judges and prosecutors in this region typically approach traffic-related criminal charges. We use that knowledge to prepare you for what is ahead and to look for realistic ways to limit damage to your record and your life.
Communication is just as important as credentials. We treat every case as a priority, and we strive to respond promptly, often by the next business day. We keep you updated on what is happening, what the next court date is about, and what choices you may need to make. Our goal is that you never feel left in the dark about your own case.
Contact our firm today for more information.
