A San Bernardino County Supervisor, Paul Biane, is accused of driving without a valid driver's license for 4 years following a DUI arrest in Illinois.
Biane asserts he did not know of the suspension following the out of state DUI charge. In 2005, Biane was charged with a DUI while on a family trip to see a Notre Dame v. USC football game. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and received a fine, alcohol treatment, and six months supervision. However, he was unaware of the automatic license suspension for failing to take a Breathalyzer and the steps necessary to reinstate it.
Biane is not alone. In many cases, people do not realize their driver's license has been suspended until it is too late and they have been arrested or cited for Driving with a Suspended License. Penalties include potential jail time, fines and even mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
However before you can be convicted, the prosecution must prove you knew your license was suspended. As stated by Biane in his defense, "If you don't know, the suspension doesn't apply to you."
For more information, or if you have been charged with driving on a suspended license, contact The Chahine Law Firm for a free consultation.
