Individuals accused of forging or fraudulently creating vehicle registration certifications can face charges under California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Vehicle Registration Fraud. These actions can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
A conviction under VC 4463 can lead to years of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can tell you more about these charges and review potential defenses that can help you face these accusations.
What Actions Lead to VC 4463 Charges?
The police may accuse you of a VC 4463 violation for several actions. First, they may claim that you counterfeited, forged, or falsified:
- License plates
- Vehicle registration certificates
- Smog certificates
- Registration stickers
Drivers may also face a VC 4463 charge if the police accuse them of possessing, displaying, causing someone else to display, or allowing someone else to display any of the above certificates that are:
- Forged or counterfeit
- False
- Altered
- Suspended, canceled, or revoked
- Blank or incomplete
Finally, this charge applies to anyone who publishes one of the above certificates or tries to pass it off as genuine and true. In all cases, the charges should only apply if the accused acts with the intent to defraud.
Does VC 4463 Cover License Fraud?
Drivers do not face charges under VC 4463 if accused of fraud involving their driver’s license. However, other criminal charges can apply in this situation, including CA Penal Code §148.9 – Providing False ID to a Police Officer.
An attorney can explain these charges and immediately get to work on a solid defense.
Are VC 4463 Charges Serious?
California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Vehicle Registration Fraud accusations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, making this a serious offense in California.
Drivers charged with a misdemeanor could face a year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. A felony conviction could result in up to three years of time in jail and fines of up to $10,000. Additionally, an individual may have to go through a period of probation.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can also revoke or refuse to renew a driver’s license if they believe an individual committed fraud during the application process.
Can You Drive Without a License?
Driving without a valid license can lead to additional charges under CA Vehicle Code VC 14601.1 (a) – Driving With a Suspended License. Individuals in California should only operate a vehicle if they have an approved license from the DMV.
Can a Lawyer Beat a VC 4463 Charge?
A criminal defense lawyer may help clients beat California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Vehicle Registration Fraud charges. Several defenses may allow you to handle these charges and avoid the penalties associated with a conviction.
An attorney may show that you had no intent to defraud anyone. If the prosecution cannot prove intent to defraud, the court may dismiss your charges.
Lawyers can also defend you by showing that the prosecution has insufficient evidence to prove you committed vehicle registration fraud. In some cases, lawyers can file motions to block evidence to strengthen your defense.
Do You Need to Go to Court After a VC 4463 Arrest?
A lawyer may need to defend you in court after the police accuse you of vehicle registration fraud. However, in some cases, law firms can resolve these charges before you go in front of a judge and jury.
For example, an attorney may help you negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution, reducing the charges you face. However, a plea bargain requires you to admit fault for another criminal act and still comes with penalties.
In other situations, your lawyer may focus on getting the court to dismiss your charges. You can discuss all your options with a criminal defense law firm.
VC 4463 Accusations Can Lead to Other Charges
The police sometimes stop drivers because they claim the driver has a questionable license plate, registration sticker, or smog certificate. After pulling a driver over, they may accuse a driver of breaking other laws, including those that prohibit drunk driving.
Once the police pull a driver over with reasonable cause, they may look for signs of a CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol violation. They may order blood alcohol content (BAC) testing or a field sobriety test.
If the traffic stop results in a DUI arrest, it’s essential to get professional help from a DUI lawyer quickly. DUI charges can have severe repercussions, including fines, jail time, and driving restrictions.
Learn More About VC 4463 Accusations in California
A lawyer can provide you with more information about California Vehicle Code Section 4463: Vehicle Registration Fraud charges and other criminal offenses. You can rely on a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to help if you end up facing charges for drunk driving.
Our team can help you get in touch with a law firm that can support you through the legal process. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.