Vehicular Crimes Attorney in San Rafael
Strong Defense Against Misdemeanor & Felony Charges
California has long had a love affair with the automobile. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are more than 36 million vehicles registered in the state. For context, the state’s population sits at about 40 million. Just about everyone drives.
With that many cars on the road, common sense would dictate that there are numerous vehicle-related crimes in the state, too. Chambers Defense understands how much clients rely on their cars, vans, motorcycles, and other vehicles for work and personal needs.
As a skilled San Rafael vehicular crimes lawyer, Attorney Peter James Chambers diligently strives to keep his clients from losing their licenses, spending time behind bars, or paying exorbitant fines.
Ensure you have representation that is protecting your rights and best interests above all else. Call (415) 423-2828 today to schedule a free consultation.
Driving Without a License
Driving without a license is a wobbler offense in Marin County, Novato, Petaluma, and Richmond. The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or downgraded to an infraction. The difference between the two charges is significant. While an infraction typically means a $250 court fine, a misdemeanor could land someone in county jail for up to 6 months plus a $1,000 court fine.
At Chambers Defense, our No. 1 goal is always to have charges dropped altogether. If that is impossible, our next target is to fight for the offense to be considered an infraction. An experienced legal counsel like Attorney Chambers knows how to make effective arguments, increasing the chances for a favorable outcome.
Suspended Licenses
Getting pulled over while driving on a suspended license can negatively affect the rest of your life. This misdemeanor charge goes onto your criminal record and is visible to anyone conducting a background check – such as prospective employers and landlords.
However, you have defense options. Depending on the circumstances, you might be unaware your license was suspended. Perhaps you had knowledge of the suspension, but you needed to drive a child to the doctor. There are extenuating circumstances that can be used in your defense.
Hit & Run
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 55 fatal or injury hit-and-run accidents in 2020.
In 2020, surrounding cities also experienced fatal or injury hit-and-run incidents:
- San Rafael: 27
- Richmond: 65
- Novato: 3
- Petaluma: 7
An accident does not require an injury or fatality to be classified as a hit-and-run. Leaving the scene of even a minor accident without exchanging personal and insurance information with the other person is illegal and could face misdemeanor charges. If the other person is injured, felony charges are possible.
Defenses in hit-and-run cases include not realizing an accident occurred, you were unaware any damage occurred, or the only damage was to the vehicle of the person who left the scene.
Reckless Driving
You do not have to be driving like a scene out of “The Fast and the Furious” to be considered driving recklessly. An officer can write you up for reckless driving if they determine you are driving with a disregard for the safety of people or property. Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, texting while driving, and tailgating may also qualify as reckless driving.
A basic reckless driving charge is a misdemeanor but can quickly become a felony if someone is injured. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also complicates the situation. Chambers Defense can utilize strategies to minimize your vulnerability to jail time or losing your license.
Don’t Go to Court for a Vehicular Crime Without Chambers Defense
A conviction for a vehicular crime can result in loss of driving privileges, jail or prison time, fines, and other consequences. Your job can be impacted as well as your ability to pick up your kids from school.
When you turn to our San Rafael vehicular crimes lawyer, your case is given focused attention. Attorney Chambers relies on his considerable experience as a defense attorney and former prosecutor to outline strategies to help clients keep their driving privileges and freedom.
To schedule a free case consultation, contact us online or call (415) 423-2828.