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Name: People v. Spence
Case #: E035322
Court: CA Court of Appeal
District 4 DCA
Division: 2
Opinion Date: 01/07/2005
Subsequent History: 4/13/05: revw den.
Summary

Appellant was convicted of driving without a valid driver’s license pursuant to Vehicle Code section 12500. The evidence showed that the notice of his license suspension had been sent to him in 2001, but had been returned unclaimed. The appellate court here affirmed the conviction. Although section 14601 has a knowledge requirement, section 12500 is a public welfare offense which allows a conviction without a showing of actual knowledge. Nor does due process require that a knowledge element be read into the statute.