Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: Restricted License

I'll defer to Mr. Mandell's expertise on license restrictions, but there is another point I need to make. Your question suggests that you weren't really scouting locations at the time, but that the producer you work with is willing to sign a declaration saying you were. This is a serious no-no.

To be valid, a declaration must be signed under penalty of perjury. If your colleague signs a false declaration for you, he will be committing a crime. If you encourage him to do so, you will be committing one as well.

The penalty for your traffic violation will surely be less than what you might face for subborning perjury, and it won't affect your colleague at all.

Re: Restricted License

Your license likely reads "to and from work", not wherever you want during the day.

Good luck, the declaration should help if it proves you were on the job.

Re: Restricted License

Since you are a location scout, you can drive wherever you want on a restricted license? You better come up with a better story than that. I can just see you telling this one to the judge.

Re: Restricted License

There are a couple of different kinds of "restricted licenses," but if yours in the common one, allowing you to drive to and from work and DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR EMPLOYMENT, then you weren't violating the terms of your restriction, and you can't be convicted of driving outside of the restriction. A letter from your producer (or the appropriate person) would very likely help. However, there may be other, better ways to handle this now that you've been arrested, but before criminal charges are actually filed against you by the prosecutor. You should consult with a criminal lawyer experienced in DMV matters as soon as possible. Most criminal lawyers give free consultations. I would be happy to meet with you and discuss your case. Feel free to contact me. Good luck. Steve Mandell

Re: Restricted License

I just read Michael Stone's answer, above mine. Frankly, I don't know what he's talking about. He seems to have misunderstood your question, or he just doesn't know what a restricted license allows. I would disregard his answer entirely. Steve Mandell