Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Fruadulently displayed placard

I was arrested at ucla in westwood california for 4463 (c) cvc fraudulently displayed placard. I can't believe what happened to me! In my family I have a handicaped sister who is very hard to get around and we have a handicaped placard in here name for her. I happened to have it in my car from the last time I transported her and I ended up using it to park for the night in an empty lot. After work as I was leaving a UCLA policeman aproached my vehicle and asked for my placard. He ran the number and found that it belong to my sister and not to me and ended up arresting me! I know I was wrong but I don't deserve a criminal record for it, it should only be a parking ticket. The placard says nothing of criminal charges for family use of placard, if I had known it was such a big deal I wouldn't have used it. There was a sign in the stall I parked in that warned of a fine for missuse, not arrest and criminal charges. I'm not afraid to pay a fine but I can't have this arrest on my record. Also there is an error on my ticket, they put a wrong number on my social security number written on the ticket. Could that work in my favor at all, or is that not important?


Asked on 7/20/01, 3:45 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Steven Mandell Law Offices of Steven R. Mandell

Re: Fruadulently displayed placard

Believe it or not, VC 4463 (c) is a misdemeanor, and the penalties can include a jail sentence, probation, fines, etc, just like any misdemeanor. However, there may be defenses to the charge, or there may be ways to reduce it or minimize it so that it doesn't end up on your criminal record. I really suggest that you have a consultation with a criminal lawyer in your area. Most criminal lawyers give free consultations. If you'd like to have a free consultation with me, don't hesitate to call me at 310 393 0639.

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Answered on 7/20/01, 1:50 pm
Victor Hobbs Victor E. Hobbs

Re: Fruadulently displayed placard

I have read Steve M.'s response. I'll only add to it. The D. A. might reduce it to an infraction when you talk to him. It is a very common occurence for these placards to be misused. So it's something the D. A. is used to dealing with. If it goes further than an infraction you may want to fight it.

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Answered on 7/20/01, 2:01 pm


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