Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Driving on a suspended license on private property

I had a suspended license from a DUI and a ticket that had a failure to appear. I had already gotten abstracts and completed all required programs and community service to get it back. I had an appointment with the DMV but prior to going I drove from the street on to a private lot. A part of some refinery. A peace officer saw my car sitting there, and had come over to investigate. Upon finding out about my suspended license, after I admittted this fact to him, he wrote me a ticket for driving with a suspended licence and being on private property, possibly trespassing. He also had my car towed for 30 days. I am unaware as to if the officer had actually seen me driving, but I had basically admitted the fact that I did and I was in the driver seat. It is required to take surface streets to get there. I have, since gotten my license renewed and am in the completion process of getting insurance. My first appearence date is Jan. 12th, My questions are: 1. Do you need a license to drive on private property? 2. What is my best course of action?


Asked on 1/05/00, 11:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Driving on a suspended license on private property

A valid driver's license is required to drive a car on private property. Most district attorneys will reduce the charge to driving without a valid driver's license. This offense is an infraction and the fine is usually only a few hundred dollars. If you have the actual driver's license, not just a slip of paper from the DMV and insurance tell the District attorney and ask if the charge can be reduced. If you do not have both the issued driver's license and insurance ask for a continuance to allow you to get your driver's license.

Your confession along with you being in the driver's seat without anyone else being there is sufficient for a conviction.

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Answered on 1/06/00, 1:32 pm


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