The legal system uses California Penal Code 529: False Impersonation to prosecute individuals accused of pretending to be someone else in order to unlawfully gain an advantage or cause someone else harm.
California treats PC 529 as a wobbler, which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, with convictions resulting in fines and incarceration. You can learn more about this charge and other California penal codes with a legal professional.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have connected thousands of people with the experienced legal help they need to protect their future. Reach out now to take the first steps toward securing your defense.
When Do PC 529 Charges Apply?
The court may charge someone under CA Penal Code 529 – False Impersonation if the police claim that an individual falsely impersonated someone else in an official or private capacity and committed one of the following acts:
- Served as surety or bail in the other person’s name
- Proved, published, or verified a written instrument as another person
- Committed an act to give themself a benefit or to expose another person to criminal or civil liability
Individuals should not face a PC 529 conviction just for claiming to be someone else or even providing evidence that they’re another person. However, making false claims can result in other charges, like:
- CA Penal Code §148.9 – Providing False ID to a Police Officer
- CA Vehicle Code 13004 – Unlawful Use of False ID Cards
- CA Vehicle Code 20 – Providing False Statements to the CHP or DMV
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can provide more information about the specifics of all of these charges.
Results of a PC 529 Conviction
A conviction for false impersonation can have serious consequences. Depending on the facts of the case and an individual’s criminal record, PC 529 may qualify as a misdemeanor or a felony. The penalties for this criminal charge vary depending on how the prosecution treats the offense.
Misdemeanor PC 529 Penalties
A misdemeanor conviction for false impersonation can result in:
- Up to a year of jail time
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Time on summary (misdemeanor) probation.
Felony PC 529 Penalties
Individuals can face harsher penalties for a felony false impersonation conviction. These charges can lead to:
- Jail time of up to three years
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Time on formal (felony) probation
Additional PC 529 Penalties
A false impersonation conviction can have other negative consequences. For example, a felony conviction may impact an individual’s right to buy or possess firearms. In this situation, it often requires a governor’s pardon to restore these rights.
Defenses for False Impersonation Charges
A criminal defense attorney can explore several defenses to handle CA Penal Code 539 – False Impersonation charges. Depending on the client’s circumstances, an attorney may focus on showing that:
- An individual took no actions beyond providing false identification.
- Someone falsely accused their client.
- Their client impersonated another person as a joke.
- Their client impersonated a fictional character.
An attorney needs to quickly review the facts around a PC 529 arrest in order to develop a personalized defense strategy.
How Lawyers Resolve PC 529 Allegations
Attorneys can pursue three primary strategies to assist clients after a PC 529 arrest. Depending on the circumstances around the allegation, a lawyer may focus on:
Getting PC 529 Charges Dropped
The court may agree to drop a false impersonation charge if a defense lawyer can prove that the prosecution has insufficient evidence. The court may also drop these charges if a lawyer shows that the police violated the rights of the accused.
Reducing PC 529 Allegations
In some cases, the prosecution will offer a plea bargain that reduces PC 529 charges. Plea bargains require the defendant to admit guilt for a less serious charge in exchange for reduced penalties. Attorneys know how to review plea deals to see if they represent a good option for clients.
Fighting PC 529 Charges in Court
Sometimes, a lawyer will need to aggressively defend against false impersonation allegations in court. An attorney can present evidence, question witnesses, and present a client’s case while striving to secure a favorable verdict.
Other Services Offered by a Lawyer After a PC 529 Arrest
Lawyers can provide assistance with all legal matters after a false impersonation arrest. For example, an attorney can:
- Answer any questions a client has about these charges.
- Assist during all legal questioning.
- Help at the arraignment and bail hearings.
- Protect a client’s rights.
It’s crucial to get professional help quickly after an arrest. The faster an individual hires a criminal defense lawyer, the stronger their defense can be.
You Can Learn More About False Impersonation Allegations
An attorney can provide more information about CA Penal Code 529: False Impersonation charges. You can also rely on a lawyer to assist if you or a loved one faces these charges and needs help building a personalized defense.
The team at Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can put you in contact with a criminal defense law firm that offers you support and legal guidance. We have decades of experience in providing people with the information they need to move forward after an arrest.
