Law enforcement reality television shows have some of the highest ratings of all the choices available. Some of the most popular, though, are the shows that portray suspects fleeing in vehicles to elude the police. This may seem like good entertainment, but the ‘reality’ is that these individuals are committing a very serious crime. California has a relatively large problem with people running from the police, so the state treats this crime rather harshly – a good reason to know what the charge really entails and why understanding the bail process can be crucial.
Vehicle Codes
Learn about vehicle code laws do’s and Don’ts.
DUI with BAC Over Legal Limit – CA VC 32152 (B)
It’s unlikely that any adult over the legal drinking age doesn’t know that driving under the influence is both dangerous and illegal, yet there are still around 1.4 million arrests yearly related to the crime. California treats the crime relatively harsh when compared with most other states, and a conviction can actually land a person in jail for years under the worst of circumstances. This is why it’s imperative for anyone charged with DUI in California to understand what they’re up against.
Driving With a Suspended or Revoked License
Most people don’t look at traffic violations as seriously as they do most other criminal acts. In reality, it’s because traffic violations don’t often involve any illegal act against another person or their property. It is important to note, however, that in California, some violations of the vehicle code can be treated just as seriously as other seemingly more egregious violations. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is definitely fits the bill.
Driving Under the Influence | VC 23152 (A)
There are certain crimes for which an individual can claim ignorance; a person who buys a stereo that turns out to be stolen, for instance, may have had no intention of committing the crime of receiving stolen property. When it comes to driving under the influence, however, a person would be hard-pressed to convince a jury that they didn’t know what they were doing. Unfortunately for many individuals, it’s not even necessary to fail a breathalyzer to be convicted.
If you’ve recently received a DUI charge in California, it’s important to understand the California Vehicle Code, specifically VC23152(a), and how these charges may affect your ability to post bail.
Hit and Run | CA VC 20001
Being involved in an auto accident isn’t something that people plan on when they start their day. Unfortunately, since statistics show that the average driver will file an auto accident claim once every 17.9 years, it’s obvious that most of us will be involved in one at some point in our lives. Most accidents don’t often involve serious criminal charges, but in California, if a person decides to flee the scene of an accident, they can face very detrimental consequences.
Joyriding | California VC 10851
Everyone likely remembers driving around town in their very first car, cruising around, showing it off, and feeling the freedom. Joyriding used to mean just driving to drive, with no destination in mind, windows rolled down, checking out the local girls or guys. When it comes to California law, however, joyriding means something else altogether and it can end with serious criminal charges and penalties.
Vehicle Theft California | Ca Vehicle Code 10850
Vehicle theft is a serious crime in the state of California, and the severity of these laws leave no doubt that stealing cars is going to cost you money and jail time. California Penal Codes 10850 and 10851 handle vehicle thefts, which are somewhat separate from grand theft. Even if stealing a car doesn’t fall under grand theft auto, it is imperative for a person accused of vehicle theft to get a good lawyer, because the consequences of a conviction are very harsh.
Though the State of California defines what constitutes vehicle theft and the punishments that may be given upon conviction, each individual county is responsible for choosing their own bail amount related to the crime, as well as selecting between and enforcing the preset sentences provided by the State.
Definition of Vehicular Theft
VC 10850 defines vehicular theft as the taking of another’s vehicle without their consent, with the intent to at least temporarily deny the owner of the possession of their vehicle. This basically means anyone who takes another person’s vehicle without their consent, even if they plan on returning it, has committed vehicular theft.
Anyone who is an accomplice or party to this crime is also considered to have violated the statute. The law is simple and straightforward, though it does have a separate subsection relating to the theft of emergency vehicles or vehicles modified for use by disabled persons; a charge dealt with more severely.
Bail Bond Amounts
Bail amounts will vary between counties due to the fact that each county’s Superior Court sets forth their individual bail schedules. This list of crimes also gives their corresponding preset bail amounts. By using the bail schedule, the bail agency in many cases can get the accused out of jail within hours without first having to see a judge, for a mere fraction of the face amount of the bail.
This charge, however, may require a PC 1275 hearing to determine the legitimacy of the funds used to post the defendant’s bail, so be sure to check with Bail Hotline to determine whether this code applies and, if so, how to prove to the court that your bond is posted with legal money.
Los Angeles and Santa Clara Counties both set bail for vehicle theft at $5,000 for people arrested of vehicular theft. San Benito County often refers to temporary vehicle theft as ‘joyriding’ and has this bail amount set for ten thousand dollars. A person in that county with a prior felony conviction, however, will face a $40,000 amount.
Penalties and Consequences
Fines and jail time related to a vehicular theft conviction can vary. Strictly speaking, vehicular theft is considered a ‘wobbler,’ which means it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. A person charged with a misdemeanor will face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to five thousand dollars. A person could be charged with a felony if they steal an emergency vehicle or vehicle modified for a disabled person, have been convicted of a similar felony before or steal a vehicle worth a certain amount of money. A conviction under these terms will bring a term in prison of two, three or four years and a fine that can reach up to $10,000.
Vehicular theft is punished severely by the State of California upon conviction. Anyone accused of this crime will want a bond posted as soon as possible in order to prepare a defense. A conviction of this magnitude could potentially rob a person of his or her freedom for years, so it is imperative to find help from someone who knows exactly how the California legal system works.
