Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

I am a registered paramedic who was employed as a volunteer in Virginia Beach, VA and in Maryland. I had emergency lights installed in my car as per my service to the Fire Dept. in VA and MD (red and white not a steady red burning, all flashing). I moved to CA a few months ago and kept my lights in my car as it was an expensive item(s) to install and they are a most permanent installation. I never used them in CA (as I hear it's illegal). I was pulled over by a LA county deputy Sheriff because she saw my lights on the inside of my windshield. She asked me to turn them on so she could see what color they were even after I told her my situation, I told her that I respectfully refuse to turn them on as they were off to begin with. She then restrained me (handcuff) and put me in the back of her car as she searched my car and called for her back up. After she searched my car and found nothing she turned my lights on and my siren for a moment, cycled the lights through the different flash patterns and then came back to the car and read me my miranda rights and placed me under arrest for impersinating a peace officer. Since then I have been released on my on my own accord with promise to appear. I have my next court date in a few weeks. Do they have a legitimate case against me?


Asked on 8/08/09, 1:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Joe Dane Law Office of Joe Dane

Because of the potential impact it could have on your other line of work, whether you go back to Virginia or Maryland or apply here, you should absolutely fight these charges.

Having the lights is one thing, but impersonating an officer? I think this is one you can defeat, but not on your own. Just because the Lakewood Sheriff arrested you for this doesn't mean they got it right. You should consult with a criminal defense attorney BEFORE your court date to discuss this in greater detail. In the meantime, do NOT discuss this with anyone except your attorney in a confidential discussion. That means no facebook, no twitter, texts, myspace, etc. Keep quiet and consult with an attorney.

I practice in Orange and LA Counties and am a former Sheriff at Lakewood station. Let me know if you want to schedule a consultation.

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Answered on 8/08/09, 1:49 pm


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