Tampering with a vehicle in the state of California is always considered a criminal act. However, tampering with a vehicle may be prosecuted more harshly depending upon the individual who owns the vehicle.
California Vehicle Code Section 42002.5: Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person convictions can result in harsh penalties. Get information about how the court system applies VC 42002.5 charges right here with the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. You can even go over some legal defenses to this charge and the results of a conviction in California.
Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person: Definition
Individuals must take several specific steps to be convicted of tampering with the vehicle of a disabled
person in the state of California. Individuals should only be convicted if they were convicted under:
- California Vehicle Code Section 10852: Tampering with a Vehicle
- California Vehicle Code Section 10853: Malicious Mischief to a Vehicle
An individual convicted of these charges may face additional penalties under VC 42002.5 if the vehicle they damaged was:
- Modified to be used by a disabled individual,
- Displaying a special disabled license plate
- Displaying a disabled placard
Additionally, an individual could be convicted of tampering with the vehicle of a disabled person if they knew the vehicle had been modified for use by an individual with a disability.
Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person: Examples
Man A is out with a group of his friends, looking for something to do. They come across an unattended van with disabled license plates and a disabled placard in the window. They decide to break the window because they want to get inside and see how the vehicle looks. They could be prosecuted under VC 42002.5.
Man B is looking for something to do with his friends. They decide that they will break into a van while they are out at the mall. The van doesn’t have any identifying markers on it, but when they force open the door, they notice that it has been modified for use by a disabled individual. While they could face criminal charges, they should not be prosecuted under VC 42002.5, because they did not know they were tampering with the vehicle of a disabled individual.
Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person: Similar Charges
There are other charges related to tampering or damaging the vehicle of another person in California. These include:
- California Vehicle Code Section 10852: Tampering with a Vehicle
- California Vehicle Code Section 10853: Malicious Mischief to a Vehicle
- California Penal Code Section 594: Vandalism.
Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person: Penalties
Tampering with the vehicle of a disabled person is considered a misdemeanor-level offense throughout the state of California. Individuals who are convicted of a VC 42002.5 violation can face the following penalties:
- Fines of up to $2,000 and
- Jail time of up to one year.
Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person: Legal Defenses
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you build a defense if you are accused of tampering with the vehicle of a disabled person. Your lawyer can work tirelessly to assess your unique needs. Depending on your situation, a legal professional could work to show that:
You Didn’t Know You Were Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person
VC 42002.5 charges should only apply if you knowingly tampered with a disabled person’s vehicle. If the vehicle was not marked or not clearly modified you could be able to beat a VC 42002.5 accusation in the state of California.
You Tampered with the Vehicle Out of Necessity
In some cases, you may be forced to tamper with the vehicle of a disabled person in the state of California. Sometimes, emergencies require that you take steps you would not otherwise take in your day-to-day life.
You Were Falsely Accused of Tampering with the Vehicle
Not all VC 42002.5 charges in the state of California are the result of legitimate accusations. Sometimes, individuals make false accusations as a way to get revenge or to punish other people for perceived slights. You can talk with a legal professional right now if you were falsely accused of tampering with the vehicle of a disabled individual.
Get Legal Help Handling VC 42002.5 Charges
You can increase your odds of beating a California Vehicle Code Section 42002.5: Tampering with the Vehicle of a Disabled Person accusation by reaching out to the Simmrin Law Group right now. You can call us at (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles about your situation.
Get a FREE case evaluation regarding your legal options by contacting us right now.