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Understanding California’s Vehicle Code Crimes: Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies
Violating traffic laws in California can lead to being charged with a serious offense known as a Vehicle Code crime. These crimes are committed when individuals violate California’s vehicle code, and they vary in severity from infractions – which involve the least severe punishment- to misdemeanors and felonies, which are significantly more severe. In this article, we will take a deeper look at different types of Vehicle Code crimes in California, their corresponding penalties and consequences and how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help defend you.
Infractions refer to the least serious types of Vehicle Code crime under California law. They typically do not come with any jail time but require defendants to pay fines upon conviction. Examples of infractions include failing to wear your seat belt when driving or violating traffic rules such as running a red light or stop sign.
Misdemeanors are more severe than infractions but less severe than felonies. Conviction for a misdemeanor under the vehicle code could lead up to one year in jail time and significant financial penalties. Examples of misdemeanors under the vehicle code include driving under influence (DUI), reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked license, hit-and-run accidents resulting in property damage or minor injuries.
Felonies refer to the most serious types of Vehicle Code crime that comes with lengthy prison sentences and significant financial penalties. Committing felony offenses such as DUI causing injury or death, vehicular manslaughter, evading police officers, grand theft auto among others would result in facing stringent legal repercussions.
| Type of Vehicle Code Crimes | Examples of Crime |
|---|---|
| Infractions | Speeding Running a red light or stop sign Failing to yield Not wearing a seat belt |
| Misdemeanors | – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) – Reckless driving – Driving with a suspended or revoked license – Hit and run accidents resulting in property damage |
| Felonies | – DUI causing injury or death – Vehicular manslaughter – Evading a police officer – Grand theft auto |
The consequences and penalties for Vehicle Code crimes vary depending on several factors such as the severity of the offense, defendants’ criminal history, injuries or deaths resulting from the violation of traffic laws. Some possible legal actions include fines, community service, points added to your driver’s license, license suspension, and even possible jail time.
| Action Taken Against Offenders | Description |
|---|---|
| Fines | Paying a specified amount of money established by the court upon conviction. |
| Community Service | Performing specific tasks or services for a specified number of hours to benefits society and the offender. |
| Points added to driver’s license | Addition of points to your driver’s license, which could lead to various consequences such as expensive insurance rates, loss of driving privileges among others |
| License suspension | The temporary removal of an offender’s driving privileges prohibited from driving within a specified period |
| Jail time | Possible confinement in jail, depending on the severity of the crime committed. Misdemeanors typically range from one day up to one year while felonies involve more extended periods up to lifetime imprisonment. |
If you have been accused, charged or arrested for committing any category or class of Vehicle code violations, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. The right attorney will help you defend against charges by investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, examining police reports, and other evidence used against you.
An experienced attorney can help identify any violations of your constitutional rights throughout your case with representation available in court if necessary. Furthermore, with sufficient experience dealing with prosecutors and negotiating for reduced penalties or even charge reductions.
Violating traffic laws in California may lead to being charged with various types of Vehicle Code crimes, which carry essential legal consequences. These offenses could range from infractions to misdemeanors and felonies for more severe violations. The severity of the punishment depends on several factors such as the nature of the crime committed, your criminal history, and injury or death resulting from traffic law violations.
It is important that you Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer if faced with Vehicle code offenses. A knowledgeable attorney will help defend against charges by fighting to protect your reputation, rights and ensure a fair trial in court.
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