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Dealing with legal matters, especially in California’s penal code, can be quite confusing. One often has to contend with a mountain of legalese that ranges from being complicated to downright convoluted, making it hard to understand. However, it doesn’t always have to be this way. If you break down the law into comprehensible parts, it becomes easy to understand. In this post, we’ll provide a breakdown of the elements of the charge of buying or possessing vehicles with altered VIN numbers. Let’s dive in with the critical definitions that you need to know.
For you to be found guilty of this charge, certain elements must be in place. You must have bought or possessed more than one vehicle, or its parts, with a tampered VIN number. Additionally, you must have purchased the vehicles or parts with the intention of selling or transferring them to others. The law needs to be specific to ensure that anyone found guilty of this crime fits the bill.
This charge can either be a misdemeanor or a felony; let’s explore the punishments that come with each.
As a wobbler charge, this offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If charged as a misdemeanor, the punishment is up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. If prosecuted as a felony, the charge differs based on whether you purchased or possessed the vehicles or parts. Possessing vehicles with altered VIN numbers attracts a penalty of 16 months, two or three years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $30,000. On the other hand, buying vehicles with altered VIN numbers attracts a punishment of two, four or six years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $60,000.
The good news is; there are various legal defenses available if you face a charge of buying or possessing vehicles with altered VIN numbers. For instance, you can mount a legal defense stating that you did not buy or possess more than one vehicle or did not know that the VIN was altered. Also, you can argue that you did not intend to dispose of or sell the vehicle or claim that the police got hold of the tampered VIN through illegal means.
At our law firm, we break down legal problems into digestible parts to offer you an understanding of the charges you face. If you’re facing any legal problems or anticipate challenges in the future, reach out to us today. We are here to take care of your legal needs.
In summary, buying or possessing vehicles with altered VIN numbers can attract harsh penalties. This wobbler charge can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, with the latter attracting more severe punishments. Fortunately, there are various legal defenses available that one can use to argue their case, such as not knowing that the VIN was altered or not purchasing or possessing more than one vehicle. Our law firm is here to help guide you through any legal challenges or charges that you may face.
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