CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Handicapped Placard Misuse

DISABLED PARKING FRAUD IN CALIFORNIA: AN OVERVIEW

Being charged with disabled parking fraud in California can have some severe consequences, with penalties ranging from hefty fines to serving jail time or even getting a criminal record. It is a serious offense that the state of California doesn’t take lightly. Misusing or abusing a handicapped parking placard is considered fraud, as defined in Section 4461 of the California Vehicle Code, and carries significant punishments, including fines, imprisonment, and even a criminal record. But what exactly constitutes disabled parking fraud, and how can you fight a charge like that?

DEFINITION OF DISABLED PARKING FRAUD

A handicapped parking placard is prescribed by a healthcare professional, and only eligible individuals can use it. When someone uses a placard that they aren’t entitled to use or allows someone else to use it, it’s considered fraudulent. The following are considered disabled parking fraud under the California Vehicle Code Section 4461:

• Allowing someone who’s not disabled to use the placard
• Lending a valid placard to a friend who’s not entitled to it
• Displaying a revoked or canceled placard or one that was issued by an entity other than the DMV
• Parking in a disabled parking spot using someone else’s car that displays a valid handicapped parking placard

One example of that might lead to a disabled parking fraud charge is if you borrowed your disabled father’s car to go grocery shopping for him but parked the car in a disabled parking spot, even though your father was not with you in the car.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISABLED PARKING FRAUD

Disabled parking fraud is no light matter, and the consequences can be severe. If you get charged with the crime, you may face imprisonment and fines that range from $1000 to $3500, depending on the number of offenses. A first-time offender could be fined up to $1000, but subsequent charges could see them paying up to $3500.

In addition to the criminal charges, there might also be civil penalties of up to $1,500. You might also have additional charges added to your case, including forgery, lying to an officer or the DMV, and counterfeiting a placard. All of which carry their own penalties that could land you in jail or cost you money.

DEFENSES AGAINST DISABLED PARKING FRAUD CHARGES

Having a skilled attorney represent you is essential when facing a handicapped parking fraud charge in California. There are some instances where you can mount a defense, but it depends on the circumstances of the case. For instance, if you were transporting your disabled relative and used their placard to park in a temporary space while picking them up, that might get the charge reduced or dropped altogether.

We understand how critical transportation can be to people with disabilities, and we also know how heavy-handed the law can be on average citizens. We will put in the work to understand your case, gather as much relevant evidence as possible, and create a defense that works for you. We can help you get the charges reduced, dropped, or even propose a plea deal that could serve your interest.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER

There are other factors to consider when facing a disabled parking fraud charge in California. The most misused areas of handicapped parking placards include college campuses, mall parking lots, and business districts. You might need a strong defense if you get charged with disabled parking fraud in these high-traffic areas.

CONCLUSION

Disabled parking fraud can carry some severe consequences in California, and anyone charged with it needs a skilled and experienced attorney who can help them navigate the complex legal system. We understand how challenging and daunting the whole process can be, and we are here to help. If you’re facing such charges, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.