NM Governor-elect to revoke illegal aliens' drivers’ licenses

[The_Dude 1,142]

States have the authority to keep them locked up until ICE picks them up. Just ask Sheriff Joe.

But they cannot hold them indefinitely. At some point, or if ICE just declines to take custody of them, they have to release them.

[mawilson 2,133]

But they cannot hold them indefinitely. At some point, or if ICE just declines to take custody of them, they have to release them.

Not indefinitely, but illegals don't usually get arrested simply for being illegal.

Driving unlicensed is the type of offense that would keep them in jail for a while.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Not indefinitely, but illegals don't usually get arrested simply for being illegal.

Driving unlicensed is the type of offense that would keep them in jail for a while.

What police state are you talking about? Here in the U.S., driving without a license is at worst a misdemeanor. The only way you are going to go to jail for driving without a license is if you have warrants, or a bunch of unpaid tickets. Otherwise, it's a ticket (a misdemeanor citation).

Edited December 22, 2010 by Rob & Mel

[mawilson 2,133]

Here in the U.S., driving without a license is at worst a misdemeanor.

Driving without a license (i.e. forgot your license at home) and driving unlicensed (never had one or it was suspended/revoked) are two different things.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

What police state are you talking about? Here in the U.S., driving without a license is at worst a misdemeanor. The only way you are going to go to jail for driving without a license is if you have warrants, or a bunch of unpaid tickets. Otherwise, it's a ticket (a misdemeanor citation).

Even a misdemeanor requires you to post bond for release. The difference is that it is a criminal offense not just a traffic offense.

[mawilson 2,133]

Penalties by State for Driving While Revoked, Suspended or Otherwise Unlicensed

California (Veh. Code §14601 and §14602.6):

Up to six months in prison, $300-$1,000 fine; possible seizure of vehicle and immediate arrest.

Habitual offender: 30-180 days in prison, $2,000 fine

link

[The_Dude 1,142]

Even a misdemeanor requires you to post bond for release. The difference is that it is a criminal offense not just a traffic offense.

No they don't.

Penalties by State for Driving While Revoked, Suspended or Otherwise Unlicensed

California (Veh. Code §14601 and §14602.6):

Up to six months in prison, $300-$1,000 fine; possible seizure of vehicle and immediate arrest.

Habitual offender: 30-180 days in prison, $2,000 fine

link

That is different. Driving with a revoked or suspended license will draw those sorts of fines. Depending on the circumstances of your being stopped by the police and why your license was suspended, you could be arrested (DUI). If you get pulled over and don't have your drivers license, you will get a ticket and a probably a hefty fine at some point, but you're not going to jail.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

No they don't.

Really?

Around here they do.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Really?

Around here they do.

It's Cali, they give you a cookie for committing a misdemeanor and think they can rehabilitated a serial killer in 5 years.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Really?

Around here they do.

Nope. Not all misdemeanors merit a trip to the pokey. The ones that do, all you do essentially is go down to the station, sign something and you are released.

It's Cali, they give you a cookie for committing a misdemeanor and think they can rehabilitated a serial killer in 5 years.

Do you ever get tired of being wrong and looking foolish all the time?

Even in Texas, you're not going to jail for a misdemeanor, unless it is a fairly egregious class a misdemeanor. A class c misdemeanor, even in Texas is just a citation.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

Nope. Not all misdemeanors merit a trip to the pokey. The ones that do, all you do essentially is go down to the station, sign something and you are released.

Again I have to disagree. Here you can only "sign out" for release if there was absolutely no aspect of violence in the charge. Simply battery is a misdemeanor but requires a bond.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Again I have to disagree. Here you can only "sign out" for release if there was absolutely no aspect of violence in the charge. Simply battery is a misdemeanor but requires a bond.

That is still a far cry from saying all misdemeanors require you to post bond. Here, most of them, except in extenuating circumstances, you are released on your own recognizance.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

That is still a far cry from saying all misdemeanors require you to post bond. Here, most of them, except in extenuating circumstances, you are released on your own recognizance.

But again this really has nothing to do with the issue at hand, which is why should any state issue ID or Drivers License to someone who isn't legally present in the US?

Can they get fake documents, sure but at a higher cost and if caught using them then they will face criminal charges.

Personally I say why make it easier for illegals to live & work here? I'm all for penalties to business hiring them that would put the business out of business. Also if you land in jail and can't prove legal status then no bail.

[The_Dude 1,142]

But again this really has nothing to do with the issue at hand, which is why should any state issue ID or Drivers License to someone who isn't legally present in the US?

Can they get fake documents, sure but at a higher cost and if caught using them then they will face criminal charges.

Personally I say why make it easier for illegals to live & work here? I'm all for penalties to business hiring them that would put the business out of business. Also if you land in jail and can't prove legal status then no bail.

They issue licenses to people to certify that they are able to drive in that state, not as a means of verifying residency or immigration status. I have never had a job where they would be satisfied with a copy of my drivers license to verify my employment status.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Rob,

So it can be determined if a person is unlicensed versus just forgot their card right? If thats the case, they would be arrested?

At any rate this is good news to me. Every state should verify before providing any ID.