Whether you are trying to save a little extra cash or just don’t want to deal with the DMV, you might be tempted to counterfeit your license registration sticker or paperwork rather than properly registering your car with the state and getting official tags, license plates, or smog certification. Unfortunately, what may seem like a […]
The Unlawful Use of a Disability Placard in California
California Vehicle Code section 22507.8 (VC) makes it illegal to park in a handicapped parking spot without the proper disability placard or license plate. Violating this law is only an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500. Additionally, the vehicle may be towed, and the driver will be responsible for towing and impoundment […]
Wet Reckless Vs. DUI Charges in Vista
If you are arrested for drunk driving in San Diego County, you won’t necessarily be convicted of driving under the influence. Even if your DUI lawyer can’t help you beat the charges altogether, he may at least be able to have the charges reduced. One of the most common ways this is achieved is through […]
Not Guilty Due to Sleepwalking? It Can Happen, but Rarely
It seems like something out of a bad detective story, but as more and more people have begun taking prescription drugs with sleepwalking as a side effect, the number of crimes committed by sleepwalkers have dramatically increased over the last few decades and most commonly include offenses such as murder, sex crimes (a specific condition […]
Putting an End to Police Pretext Stops in Vista and San Diego
Police can stop motorists for many reasons, including minor issues such as not using a turn signal, having a broken tail light, having window tinting on your windows, or similar issues. These stops for small infractions are considered “pretextual” stops because police usually use these issues as a pretext to hopefully find evidence of some […]
Vehicle Code 10852 (VC): Auto Tampering in Vista
In Vista, California, tampering with another person’s vehicle is illegal, whether you mess with the car as a whole or just a part of the vehicle or its contents. The good news is that in many cases, this offense serves as a substitute for vehicle burglary charges, allowing these offenders to face a much lighter sentence. […]
Can You Lose Your License for Life in California?
Many crimes can result in a temporary license suspension, including drunk driving, certain juvenile crimes, violating the implied consent law, reckless driving, joyriding, and more. Most people don’t know that some offenses can also result in a lifetime license revocation of your Class A, B, or C licenses, meaning you lose this type of driver’s license forever in California. If you […]
California Vehicle Code 10851 (VC): Joyriding in Vista
While everyone has heard of grand theft auto, aka GTA, (no doubt partially due to the successful video game franchise), joyriding is a much more commonly filed criminal offense in California. Prosecutors prefer to file joyriding charges, legally known as the unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle under California Vehicle Code section 10851 (VC), […]
Grand Theft Auto Charges in Vista, California: Penal Code 487(d)(1) (PC)
If you steal a car in California, you could face a grand theft auto charge (GTA) under Penal Code 487(d)(1) (PC), but you will more likely be charged with unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, commonly known as “joyriding.” These charges are easier for the prosecution to prove and carry the same penalties, so […]
All About California Dash Cam Laws
Under California law, dash cams are legal, but the state does place some restrictions on the devices. Whether or not you would benefit by installing such a device in your vehicle is a personal question that depends on how you drive and what situations you are likely to find yourself in. In some cases, the […]
