Under California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Forging or Falsifying Vehicle Registration, drivers that engage in fraud involving vehicle registration may be prosecuted.
Continue reading to understand Vehicle Code about the penalties for forging or falsifying a vehicle registration by reading on. You can review the exact legal definition for VC 4463, similar charges, and some common legal defenses used to handle accusations of vehicle registration fraud. For legal services, contact our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers today.
Vehicle Registration Fraud: the Definition
Vehicle registration fraud covers a number of criminal acts in California. Individuals may be charged under VC 4463 if they intentionally alter or falsify:
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Certificate of ownership
- License plates (including temporary license plates)
- Registration stickers
- Registration card
- Smog certificates
Drivers may also face prosecution if they purposefully display or possess any of the aforementioned registration documents that are:
- Blank or incomplete
- Suspended, canceled, or revoked
- Altered, forged, counterfeit, or false
Finally, attempting to convince others that a falsified, forged, or altered registration document is true or genuine can lead to criminal charges under VC 4463. If you have been pulled over due to an altered temporary license plate or certificate of ownership, contact experienced lawyer Michael Simmrin today.
Vehicle Registration Fraud: the Penalties
Drivers who forge or falsify vehicle registration documents or certificates of ownership may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony in the court system in California. An individual’s criminal history and the details of the accusations may determine how charges are filed. Depending on the exact charge handed down, a police officer may penalize a driver with:
Penalties for Misdemeanor Offenses Involving Vehicle Registration Fraud
- Fines: up to $1,000
- County jail time: up to one year
Penalties for Felony Charges of Vehicle Registration Fraud
- Fines: up to $10,000
- Jail Time: up to three years
Driver’s License Penalties
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may choose to take action after a driver is convicted under VC 4463. Depending on the situation, the DMV can suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue a driver’s license based on a vehicle registration fraud conviction. Contact us if whether you’re misdemeanor vehicle registration fraud or felony vehicle registration fraud
Vehicle Registration Fraud: Examples
Increase your understanding of vehicle VC 4463 charges by going over the following examples:
Man A is tired of paying for vehicle registration. He decides to take matters into his own hands and creates a replacement registration sticker with computer software. He places this forged sticker on his vehicle and hopes to pass unnoticed. If he is caught, he could be charged with forging a vehicle registration document.
Man B steals a car and realizes he needs to disguise the vehicle. He goes to a friend – Man C – who is known for his ability to alter license plates. Man B takes an altered license plate and drives off in his stolen car. He could be charged under VC 4463, and he could also face grand theft auto charges.
Counterfeit Vehicle Registration Material
In California, counterfeit vehicle registration material refers to any fraudulent or unauthorized documents or items that are made to imitate official vehicle registration materials issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These can include fake registration stickers that look like valid registration stickers, license plates, registration cards, and temporary operating permits. The intent behind creating or using counterfeit registration materials is typically:
- Avoid paying registration fees
- Evade law enforcement
- Commit other types of fraud
Counterfeiting vehicle registration materials is illegal and considered a serious offense under California law. Penalties for such offenses can be severe, including fines and jail sentences. The state imposes these strict measures to ensure the integrity of vehicle registration processes, maintain accurate records, and ensure public safety on the roads.
Vehicle Registration Fraud: Similar Charges
All instances of fraud are treated seriously in California. The court system can hand down harsh penalties for healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, and auto insurance fraud, for example. There are also a number of additional charges used to handle falsehoods and fraudulent certificates and acts involving motor vehicles, such as:
- California Vehicle Code Section 20: Providing False Statements to the DMV or CHP
- California Vehicle Code Section 31: False Information to a Peace Officer
- California Vehicle Code Section 4461: Unlawful Use Of A Disability Placard
- California Vehicle Code Section 10501: Filing A False Auto Theft Report
A conviction for any of these charges can lead to fines and potential time behind bars.
Vehicle Registration Fraud: Common Defense Strategies
VC 4463 charges can lead to serious consequences. You can treat vehicle registration fraud accusations with the seriousness they deserve by contacting a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. A professional lawyer may be able to build a defense by showing that:
You didn’t Intend to Commit Fraud
To be convicted under VC 4463, individuals must purposefully forge or falsify registration documents. However, if you accidentally acquired forged, altered, or false certificates with no intent to deceive anyone, you may be able to avoid a conviction or a criminal record.
The Evidence Against You Is Circumstantial
Circumstantial evidence can imply guilt, but it isn’t as obvious as direct evidence. A criminal defense lawyer can dig into the evidence the prosecution plans to use against you. If the circumstantial evidence is weak enough, your lawyer may be able to get the VC 4463 charges you are facing dismissed.
Handle Vehicle Registration Fraud Charges Now
Get professional help handling California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Forging or Falsifying Vehicle Registration charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our criminal defense lawyers can go over your legal options once you complete our online contact form.
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