Vehicle Code 14601.4 refers to driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license and causing injury. This is a California criminal offense that carries severe penalties. By violating VC 14601.4, you could face penalties like jail time and fines, and your life could be significantly impacted.
It is vital to have a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to explore the elements of the charges and how to develop a strong defense to avoid the possible penalties associated with a conviction.
A Breakdown of the Elements of Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC
If you are charged with violating Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC, to be convicted, the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence to prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
- You were operating the vehicle on a public highway or roadway.
- At the time of the charge, your license was suspended or revoked.
- You caused a collision or an accident resulting in a physical injury to another person.
- A substantial factor that caused the injury was your driving.
To obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove each of the above elements according to Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC. A qualified attorney in Los Angeles can evaluate your case and help you challenge any arguments by the prosecution that require disputing.
Potential Penalties You May Face for Violating Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC
Severe penalties follow a Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC conviction. While the offense is typically written up as a misdemeanor, though, if the accident causes permanent or severe danger, it may be elevated to a felony. Listed below are the potential penalties one might face for violating the code:
- For a conviction of a misdemeanor offense, you can be sentenced to up to one year in jail. If you are convicted of a felony Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC, you could face up to three years in prison.
- You could be penalized with fines of up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor conviction or for a felony conviction up to $10,000.
- Another sentencing option is probation. Probation requires you to comply with specific conditions like mandatory community service and that you not offend again.
- Your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of a Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC. The period of time that you will be unable to drive varies.
The penalties you face, while steep, can become much more significant when they begin to alter other areas of your life. For instance, the fines, time away from work, and the stressful nature of facing a criminal case in court can make life feel much more frustrating and overwhelming.
How a Conviction Could Alter Your Life
While the expense of paying fines, hiring a lawyer, missing work, and paying for mandatory treatment programs can amount to expensive obstacles, there are other ways the complications of a conviction might affect your future. Listed below are some of the more significant difficulties you may face:
- Finding employment after a criminal conviction, especially if driving is necessary for the particular duties of the job, can exclude you from specific careers.
- Taking out loans or getting credit can be more challenging with a criminal record.
- Suspended or revoked professional licenses can result in a criminal conviction.
- A Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC conviction can complicate admission to some schools, educational programs, and scholarship eligibility. Many schools require background checks and expect potential students to have no criminal records so that they exhibit high ethical character.
- Obtaining housing since many landlords run background checks on potential tenants. They often reject applications because of criminal records to keep their property safe.
- Immigration status can also be negatively impacted if convicted. If you cause injury to someone while driving with a suspended or revoked license, you may face deportation or other consequences that interfere with your immigration.
- Criminal convictions can strain personal relationships.
- Child custody and visitation can be challenging following a criminal conviction.
Your Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is here to help you choose the best path to minimize the consequences you are facing. It is important to reach out soon so that we can be beside you from arrest to successful resolution.
Possible Defenses to a Charge Under Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC
Your criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles will review the facts surrounding your case and help you devise a strategy to fight the charges you face. Listed below are several potential defenses:
- There was no injury. If no one was injured, you could not be convicted of violating Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC.
- You were not driving on a public road or highway. At the time of the offense, if you are driving on private property, you are not guilty of breaking this law.
- If you were unaware that your license had been revoked or suspended when the offense occurred, you might avoid conviction under Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC.
- If you were falsely accused, your criminal defense attorney might challenge the prosecution’s charges against you. This could happen due to a mistaken identity, resolving itself by having the charges dismissed.
- If law enforcement obtained evidence against you illegally, your attorney might be able to dismiss your case. When mounting your defense, illegal search and seizure or arrest without probable cause should be considered.
Obtaining Legal Representation
If you have been charged with driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license and have caused injury to another party, you face significant penalties in California. It is essential that you work with an adept criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles to protect your rights and fight the charges against you.
Contact us today so that we can help you explore your legal options, construct a robust legal defense, and negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges. Our goal is to protect your freedom and your quality of life. Life can be challenging enough without adding an obstacle like a Vehicle Code 14601.4 VC conviction.
