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Why You Need a Lawyer When Accused of Failing to Control a Dangerous Animal in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, there are several laws related to pets and animals. One such important law is failing to control a dangerous animal, which mandates that you must exercise ordinary care when in charge of an animal known to be dangerous. Failure to do so could lead to a misdemeanor or a felony charge, thousands of dollars in fines, and years of imprisonment. Here are some significant reasons why hiring a lawyer is crucial when you face charges of failing to control a dangerous animal in Los Angeles.
1. Demonstrate that You Used Ordinary Care in Controlling Your Pet
If you are charged with failing to control a dangerous animal, you can defend yourself by demonstrating that you used ordinary care in controlling your pet. It means you took practical measures to ensure that your animal was under control. However, simply stating that the animal was on a leash or in a fenced yard is insufficient. You need a lawyer familiar with Los Angeles laws to explain adequately how you exercised ordinary care over your pet concerning the law’s context. Such an explanation can help you avoid any criminal offense.
2. Prove that You Were Unaware that the Animal was Dangerous
One of the prosecution’s vital cases for failing to control a dangerous animal is proving that you had clear knowledge that your pet posed a risk to others. If you had no prior awareness that your animal was perilous, you would have no reason to treat it like a dangerous animal. An experienced lawyer can help you explore this issue significantly. Your attorney can collect evidence, including expert testimony, to provide that you had no reason to believe that your animal could harm someone else.
3. Challenge the Plaintiff’s Injuries
In Los Angeles, some individuals may falsely claim that their injuries resulted from an animal attack to receive financial compensation. A lawyer can scrutinize the injuries of the other party by investigating them to ensure they are consistent with the type of harm your pet could cause. They can also check if the injuries resulted from another cause unrelated to your pet.
4. Defense during Dangerous Dog Hearings
In Los Angeles, there is a one-of-a-kind system where your pet could face a special official during a dangerous dog hearing. This hearing can determine the fate of your pet, including returning it to you, destroying it or holding it in custody indefinitely. You must have a lawyer present during these hearings. An experienced attorney with a team of animal experts and witnesses can prove that your pet is not dangerous. This is critical if you want to keep your pet.
5. Analyze the Conduct of the Victim
Several mitigating factors can play a significant role in dangerous animal cases in Los Angeles. One of the most important factors is the behavior of the victim. An experienced lawyer knows the right questions to ask to determine if the victim contributed to the attack. In some instances, victims may act in ways that encourage animal attacks. Suppose that is the case. In that case, neither you nor your pet are liable for any injuries. Your attorney will thoroughly scrutinize the victim’s conduct to determine whether there were any mitigating factors in the incident.
6. Fight for the Lowest Charges or Penalties Possible
Failing to control a dangerous animal could result in a misdemeanor or a felony in Los Angeles. Some cases are unequivocally, one or the other. Such cases are called ‘wobblers.’ You should hire a lawyer to fight for the lowest possible charges or penalties. A good attorney can negotiate with the prosecution, reducing the charges to a misdemeanor or lower. By doing this, you could receive lower fines and possibly avoid time in jail. A lawyer will be critical if your case is perceived as a ‘wobbler’ in court.
Table: Charges for Failing to Control a Dangerous Animal in Los Angeles
| Charges | Fine | Imprisonment |
|———————–|—————|————————–|
| Misdemeanor | $1,000-$10,000| Up to One Year |
| Felony (Mandatory) | $10,000 | 3-5 Years or Longer |
If you are charged with failing to control a dangerous animal, you can defend yourself by demonstrating that you used ordinary care in controlling your pet.
If you had no prior awareness that your animal was perilous, you would have no reason to treat it like a dangerous animal
In Los Angeles, some individuals may falsely claim that their injuries resulted from an animal attack to receive financial compensation
In Los Angeles, there is a system where your pet could face a special official during a dangerous dog hearing
Several mitigating factors can play a significant role in dangerous animal cases in Los Angeles
Failing to control a dangerous animal could result in a misdemeanor or a felony in Los Angeles
| Charges | Fine | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $1,000-$10,000 | Up to One Year |
| Felony (Mandatory) | $10,000 | 3-5 Years or Longer |
Very diligent, organized associates; got my case dismissed. Hard working attorneys who can put up with your anxiousness. I was accused of robbing a gemstone dealer. Definitely A law group that lays out all possible options and alternative routes. Recommended for sure.
- ROBIN, GUN CHARGES ROBIN
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS