What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA
"Cited for driving withought a valid CA liscence"
I was recently rear ended on the highway and the vehicle that hit me sustained significant damage. I called the police to help due to high ammounts of traffic in a dangerous area. I'm driving my wifes company car (which I am insured on). We just moved to CA from out of state 3 weeks ago. I decide to file a report (required to by the company car insurance) and the officer notes I have an out of state liscence and only had 10 days to apply for a CA one. He told me this is a misdemeanor(12500) and took all my information, however I did not see him file a report for the traffic violation and I never signed anything. He told me to get to the DMV asap to apply for liscence. Questions:
1. When I apply to the DMV for a CA liscence will it ask me if I've had any misdemeanors and if so am I legally obligated to say yes, although I've not been convicted...yet? This is my first offense. If I apply for my CA liscence before any court date is this something that is usually dismissed?
2. Is this worth consulting an attorney? Will this go to a court hearing? Was the officer supposed to have me sign something on the spot?
3. What are the average fees to retain legal consultation for a criminal defense attorney to help with something like this?
4. If I'm able to plea this down to a simple Infraction does it stay on my record?
Thanks for any help.
"Cited for driving withought a valid CA liscence"
I was recently rear ended on the highway and the vehicle that hit me sustained significant damage. I called the police to help due to high ammounts of traffic in a dangerous area. I'm driving my wifes company car (which I am insured on). We just moved to CA from out of state 3 weeks ago. I decide to file a report (required to by the company car insurance) and the officer notes I have an out of state liscence and only had 10 days to apply for a CA one. He told me this is a misdemeanor(12500) and took all my information, however I did not see him file a report for the traffic violation and I never signed anything. He told me to get to the DMV asap to apply for liscence. Questions:
1. When I apply to the DMV for a CA liscence will it ask me if I've had any misdemeanors and if so am I legally obligated to say yes, although I've not been convicted...yet? This is my first offense. If I apply for my CA liscence before any court date is this something that is usually dismissed?
2. Is this worth consulting an attorney? Will this go to a court hearing? Was the officer supposed to have me sign something on the spot?
3. What are the average fees to retain legal consultation for a criminal defense attorney to help with something like this?
4. If I'm able to plea this down to a simple Infraction does it stay on my record?
Thanks for any help.