§ 14610 VC Unlawful Use or Alteration of a Driver's License

CA Vehicle Code 14610(a) – Unlawful Use or Alteration of a Driver’s License is designed to prevent acts such as possessing a fraudulent license, lending your license to someone else, or altering a license in unauthorized ways.

These violations are taken seriously and can result in criminal penalties. Understanding this law is crucial to avoiding legal trouble, and Los Angeles DUI Attorneys are often called upon to assist individuals facing charges under this statute.

What Does California Vehicle Code 14610(a) Prohibit?

The law outlines several prohibited actions related to driver’s licenses, including:

Possession of Invalid Licenses: It is illegal to possess a driver’s license that is canceled, revoked, suspended, fictitious, or fraudulently obtained.
Lending a License: Lending your driver’s license to someone else or knowingly allowing another person to use it is prohibited.
Misusing Another Person’s License: Representing someone else’s license as your own is a violation of this code.
Failure to Surrender: You must surrender your license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if it has been suspended, revoked, or canceled upon lawful demand.
Unlawful Use of Your License: Permitting any unlawful use of your driver’s license is against the law.
Reproducing a License: Creating a copy or reproduction that could be mistaken for a valid license is illegal unless explicitly authorized.
Altering a License: Making any unauthorized changes to a driver’s license is prohibited under this statute.

The provisions of CA Vehicle Code 14610(a) – Unlawful Use or Alteration of a Driver’s License apply to standard driver’s licenses as well as temporary permits.

Penalties for Violating California Vehicle Code 14610(a)

A violation of California Vehicle Code 14610(a) is treated as a misdemeanor. This means the penalties are less severe than for a felony but more serious than an infraction. Potential consequences include:

Jail Time: You may face up to six months in a county jail.
Fines: Fines can reach up to $1,000, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior violations.
Criminal Record: A misdemeanor conviction can result in a permanent mark on your criminal record, which may affect employment opportunities and other aspects of your life.

In some cases, the court may impose both jail time and fines.

Common Examples of Violations of CA Vehicle Code 14610(a) – Unlawful Use or Alteration of a Driver’s License

Violations of California Vehicle Code 14610(a) involve actions related to the misuse or alteration of a driver’s license. Below are some common examples that highlight how this law is often violated:

Possessing a Fake or Invalid Driver’s License

Someone obtains a driver’s license using false information, such as a fake name or date of birth.
A person is found with a fictitious or counterfeit license designed to look like it was issued by the DMV.

Lending a Driver’s License

Allowing a friend or family member to use your license for identification purposes.
Lending your driver’s license to someone who is underage so they can gain access to restricted areas, such as bars or clubs.

Using Another Person’s License

Presenting someone else’s driver’s license as your own during a traffic stop.
Using a friend’s or sibling’s license to purchase alcohol or cigarettes.

Failure to Surrender a Suspended or Revoked License

Refusing to turn over your license to the DMV after it has been suspended or revoked due to a DUI or other offense.
Ignoring a lawful demand from the DMV to surrender a canceled or invalid license.
Ignoring a notice that your driver’s license is suspended while continuing to drive

Unauthorized Reproduction of a License

Duplicating or photocopying a driver’s license to create a fake ID.

Altering a Driver’s License

Changing the date of birth on your license to appear older.
Modifying the photograph or other identifying details on your license to impersonate someone else.

These examples demonstrate how easy it can be to inadvertently violate CA Vehicle Code 14610(a) – Unlawful Use or Alteration of a Driver’s License, as well as the deliberate acts that are explicitly targeted by the statute. Understanding these common scenarios can help you avoid engaging in prohibited actions or defend yourself if you are accused of a violation.

Legal Defenses Against VC 14610(a) Charges

If accused of violating this law, several defenses can be raised to contest the charges. These include:

Lack of Knowledge: If you were unaware that your license was suspended, canceled, or revoked, you may be able to argue that you did not knowingly violate the law.
No Possession: Prosecutors must prove that you had possession of the fraudulent or altered license. If they cannot establish this, the charges may not hold.
No Lending: If you did not knowingly lend your license to another person, this can serve as a defense. For example, if your license was used without your permission or stolen, you cannot be held liable.
Police Misconduct: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights, such as conducting an unlawful search, the evidence against you may be inadmissible.

The success of these defenses often depends on the specifics of your case and the evidence presented by the prosecution.

How We Can Help

If you are facing charges under California Vehicle Code 14610(a), Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can connect you with an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of this law. A skilled lawyer can review your case, explore possible defenses, and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.