If a person creates or uses a fraudulent public seal in California, this individual can be punished in accordance with CA Penal Code 472. In this instance, a person can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The punishment for violating CA Penal Code 472 can include a fine and jail or prison time.
For those facing a charge under CA Penal Code 472 and DUI charges in Los Angeles, legal help is available. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you deal with violations of various California penal codes. The attorney will do everything in their power to get any charges against you reduced or dismissed.
What to Expect if You Are Charged Under CA Penal Code 472
Violating CA Penal Code 472 is a serious offense. If you are charged with a violation of CA Penal Code 472 and DUI violations, you must prepare a legal strategy. Otherwise, you risk being punished to the fullest extent of the law.
A prosecutor will not go easy on someone who violates CA Penal Code 472 and DUI laws. If you are in need of a lawyer to defend against these violations, consult with a Los Angeles DUI attorney. Then, your attorney can learn about your violations and help you contest them.
A DUI attorney in Los Angeles understands all aspects of California law. Your lawyer can take the necessary steps to dispute any charges against you right away. Plus, your attorney will look for ways to get a felony charge lowered to a misdemeanor or dropped entirely.
A CA Penal Code 472 Charge Is Considered a Wobbler
The severity of a punishment relating to a CA Penal Code 472 violation varies. This is due to the fact that a CA Penal Code 472 violation is a “wobbler,” as it may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony. In a severe instance, an individual is charged with a felony under a violation of the code and will need plenty of legal help to contest it.
A DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help an individual dispute felony charges linked to CA Penal Code 472, intoxicated driving, and other violations of California law. The attorney will look for holes in a prosecution’s case. If the attorney is successful, the lawyer can craft a legal strategy that helps the client avoid a lengthy prison sentence.
Expect your lawyer to allocate significant time, energy, and resources to your case. Your attorney will work with you to gather evidence to support your legal defense. On top of that, your attorney will explore ways to contest the evidence that the prosecution provides.
How to Dispute a CA Penal Code 472 Charge
There are many legal defenses that an attorney may use to contest a CA Penal Code 472 charge. These include:
No Intent to Commit Fraud
A prosecutor must show that a defendant had the intent to defraud someone else. To do so, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had a plan in place to commit fraud. This can be difficult, and the defendant’s attorney may be able to argue that their client forged a seal for non-malicious reasons.
Entrapment
The police may set up a sting in the hopes of tricking a person into violating CA Penal Code 472. In this scenario, a defendant’s attorney may be able to show a judge or jury that their client was the victim of entrapment. As a result, the defendant may have violated CA Penal Code 472 but did so due only to the actions of the police.
Constitutional Rights Violation
A defendant’s lawyer may argue that one or more of their client’s constitutional rights were violated. For example, the lawyer may try to show a judge or jury that their client was coerced into a confession of violating CA Penal Code 472. Or, the attorney may attempt to show that their client was the victim of an unlawful search and seizure.
The best lawyer will advocate for their client and ensure this individual is fully supported throughout their litigation. At the same time, the attorney helps their client maintain realistic expectations during the legal process. If an attorney finds their client may benefit from a plea bargain, the lawyer will discuss this option with their client.
When It Pays to Offer a Plea Bargain Relating to a Violation of CA Penal Code 472
With a plea bargain, a defendant accepts a lesser charge in exchange for an immediate resolution to their case. Accepting a plea bargain in a case involving a violation of CA Penal Code 472 may allow a defendant to have a felony charge lowered to a misdemeanor. In the best-case scenario, a defendant will be able to avoid jail or prison time.
Your attorney may recommend a plea bargain if you lack sufficient evidence to support your legal claim or the prosecution has built a strong case against you. In either scenario, you need to prepare for the possibility that you may face a steep punishment. Fortunately, a plea bargain gives you the opportunity to negotiate with a prosecutor in the hopes of reaching a settlement that meets the needs of all sizes.
If you intend to move forward with proposing a plea bargain, your lawyer can create a proposal with you. Once your proposal is ready, your attorney can share it with the prosecutor and give this individual adequate time to review it. If the prosecutor finds your plea bargain is fair for all parties, you may be able to settle and close your case outside the courtroom.
Do Not Wait Any Longer to Connect with an Experienced Los Angeles DUI Lawyer
A CA Penal Code 472 charge and DUI charges will not disappear on their own. By partnering with a Los Angeles DUI attorney, you can get legal help with your charges and boost your chances of getting them dropped or dismissed. If you are ready to explore your legal options, we can help you get in touch with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles today.