Vehicle Code Violations: Beyond Traffic Tickets

California vehicle code violations can extend beyond just receiving a traffic ticket. At the Law Office of William Bruzzo, we do represent people in court for any and all types of vehicle violations. Here is an overview of some common California vehicle code violations our Orange County criminal defense lawyer has assisted with. If you have any questions at all about vehicle crimes, tickets, and arrests, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

VC 20 – False Statements to CHP & VC 31 – False Statements to Police

Vehicle Code 20 and Vehicle Code 31 make it a crime to knowingly make false statements to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the police, respectively. To be found guilty of this offense, the following elements must be proven:

• The defendant knowingly made a false statement.
• The defendant made the false statement to a peace officer.
• The statement involved a material fact.

If convicted of either Vehicle Code 20 or 31, you face fines and potential imprisonment. 

VC 23103 – Reckless Driving

Under Vehicle Code 23103, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. To be found guilty of reckless driving, the prosecution must prove the following:

• The defendant drove a vehicle on a highway.
• The defendant’s driving showed a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or property.

If convicted of reckless driving, the penalties include fines, potential imprisonment, and a mark on your driving record that could lead to higher insurance rates.

VC 23123 – Texting and Driving

Distracted driving is a significant concern on California roads, and, in that vein, Vehicle Code 23123 prohibits texting while driving. To be found guilty of texting and driving, the following elements must be proven:

• The defendant drove a motor vehicle.
• The defendant used a handheld wireless communication device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving.

Texting and driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. If convicted, you can be fined and end up paying higher insurance premiums. 

VC 23152 – Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) can have life-altering consequences. California Vehicle Code 23152 defines DUI as simply driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. To be guilty of DUI, the prosecution must show the following:

• The defendant drove a vehicle.
• The defendant’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08% or higher at the time of driving.
• The defendant was impaired by alcohol and/or drugs to the extent that their ability to drive was impaired.

If convicted of DUI in California, you can expect fines, a driver’s license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, and even imprisonment. 

VC 2800.1 – Evading Police

Fleeing or attempting to elude a pursuing peace officer is a threat to public safety and against the law. Under Vehicle Code 2800.1, evading police is actually a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to a felony if certain aggravating factors are present. To be found guilty of evading police, the following must be proven by the prosecution:

• The defendant was driving a motor vehicle.
• A peace officer, in a marked vehicle with emergency lights and siren activated, was pursuing the defendant.
• The defendant willfully fled from the pursuing officer.
• The defendant intended to evade the officer.

If convicted of evading police, expect fines, potential imprisonment, and a mark on your criminal record. Additionally, your driver’s license will no doubt be suspended, and you can face increased insurance rates. This is a serious crime and the guidance of a seasoned, well-respected Orange County criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and mount the strongest possible defense.

Other California Vehicle Code Violations

California’s Vehicle Code includes a wide range of offenses in addition to the ones mentioned above. Here are a few more vehicle crimes and infractions the Law Office of William Bruzzo sees as an Orange County criminal defense lawyer:

• VC 4000 – Vehicle Registration
• VC 12500 – Driving Without a License
• VC 14601- Driving on a Suspended License
• VC 21200.5 – Biking Under the Influence: Yes, riding your bicycle while drunk is a misdemeanor, no different than operating a boat while intoxicated.
• VC 21453 – Running a Red Light
• VC 22108 – Failure to Signal
• VC 22362 – Speeding in a Construction Zone: Just a reminder that this speeding ticket can leave you without a driver’s license.
• VC 23103.5 – Wet Reckless: A wet reckless is a reduced charge for reckless driving involving alcohol. It carries less severe penalties than a standard DUI charge.
• VC 23109 – Street Racing and Exhibition of Speed
• VC 23136 – Zero-Tolerance Underage Drinking: This offense has a BAC of 0.01%.
• VC 23140 – Under 21 DUI: This offense has a BAC of 0.05%.
• VC 23152(d) – Commercial CDL DUI
• VC 23152(e) – Driver for Hire DUI: This is a newer law giving increased penalties essentially to rideshare drivers who are intoxicated compared to a standard DUI.
• VC 23152(f) – Drug DUI
• VC 23152(g) – Drug and Alcohol DUI
• VC 23153 – Injury DUI
• VC 23154 – Probation DUI
• VC 23222 – Open Container
• VC 23247 – IID Violations: This involves violating the terms of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirement, relating to a DUI conviction.
• VC 23572 – DUI with Minor Passenger: If there are passengers under age 14 in the car during your DUI, expect enhanced penalties including imprisonment.
• VC 23578 – DUI High BAC: This offense has a BAC of 0.15%.

Car Trouble? Ask an Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer!When facing California vehicle code violations, it is not unheard of to have legal representation. Some of these are very serious crimes that can get you locked up. Having a top-notch Orange County criminal defense attorney by your side is a smart move. The Law Office of William Bruzzo offers legal advice, document preparation, and full-service representation to best accommodate your budget and legal needs. Let our experienced, hard-working, and caring legal team handle your California Vehicle Code woe and you can get back on the go! Contact our office now to book a free case review and consultation