Amanda Bynes pleas to Driving on a suspended license

Amanda Bynes pleas to Driving on a suspended license

After reading the news across the internet, it appears that Amanda Bynes entered a no contest plea to driving on a suspended licensed today (Vehicle Code 14601, or one of the sub sections of that statute), as a misdemeanor.  Her penalty included three (3) years of probation, and a fine + penalty assessment totaling approximately $1,500.  Apparently her license was suspended based on a couple car accidents/hit and runs she was allegedly involved in.  Any time there is a car accident (with the exception of some very  minor incidents), the collision is supposed to be reported to the DMV.  The DMV then adds point(s) to your license, which can increase the cost of your car insurance.  If you gather too many points in a short period of time (ie. 12 months or 18 months), this can lead to a drivers license suspension by the DMV.  Points on your drivers license can also accumulate based on other driving related infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies.  If the DMV is going to take action based on an accumulation of points, it is possible to request a hearing to try to fight the suspension.  In the event you find yourself in this situation, call me and I can help you out.

Although every case is different, I  have been successful at getting VC 14601, driving on suspended license charges dismissed, or reduced to infractions, thus keeping my clients criminal record free from misdemeanor convictions.

Amanda Bynes is also dealing with a pending DUI out of Beverly Hills Court.  If she is convicted of a DUI, one of the consequences will be another drivers license suspension.  It is possible that her license has also been suspended directly by the DMV stemming from that DUI charge, even prior to the resolution of her DUI case.

VC 14601 driving on a suspended license convictions are priorable, and the penalties can increase with each subsequent conviction.  Further, if someone is convicted of VC 14601.2, driving on a suspended license based on a prior DUI conviction, the penalties can be more severe than a license suspension based on a “point accumulation” (as touched upon above).

In short, Ms. Amanda Bynes, or anyone else in this situation, needs to stop taking chances of driving while her license is suspended.  It may be possible to clear up this (or these) driver license suspensions sooner as opposed to later, which may help avoid additional charges.  It is easy for these situations to quickly get out of control if not handled correctly, and caution not taken to avoid future charges.  Ms. Bynes is not alone in having these issues…but most others with these issues don’t make headlines in the process.

 Click here for more information on: Driving on a Suspended License, VC 14601