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What Are Vehicle Crimes & How to Defend Them

What Are Vehicle Crimes & How to Defend Them

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Vehicle Crimes

There are a large variety of different automobile crimes that occur. Common vehicle crimes include driving under the influence (DUI) or drunk driving. Another is vehicular manslaughter. This is when the operator of a car causes the death of someone else. The difference between this and vehicular homicide is that vehicular homicide consist of causing the death of the victim with gross negligence, defined as a lack of care that demonstrates a reckless disregard for the well-being of others, or murderous intent. Depending on the nature of the driving during the crime, vehicular manslaughter can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, a minor speeding offense may be considered to be a misdemeanor, while driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI) may be considered a felony. Another vehicle crime is carjacking. Carjacking is a robbery where the item stolen is an automobile, done in a violent manner. The elements of carjacking include the offender taking a motor vehicle against the will of the original owner/ driver, intending to permanently deprive that owner/driver of their vehicle. This is very similar to grand theft auto, defined as stealing a vehicle with the intent of keeping it permanently. However, there is a distinction between the two in the sense that grand theft auto does not require that the offender commit a violent act in order to commit the crime. Defenses for grand theft auto is that the defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle taken or that they were given consent by the original owner to take it. Punishment for this crime varies from state to state depending on the value of the stolen property or prior convictions. In addition, another vehicle crime is a hit and run. A hit and run occurs when the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision knowingly fails to give their necessary information required by statute to the injured party, witness, or law enforcement officers. An additional automobile crime is vehicular assault. Vehicular assault is defined as a crime in which the operator of a vehicle causes bodily injury to another person, commonly while driving negligently or recklessly, under the influence, or with a suspended or revoked license. The number of people injured and the severity of their injuries will determine whether or not the crime is considered a misdemeanor or felony, as well as what state it occurred in. Defenses for this crime include involuntary intoxication, which occurs when someone is forced or tricked into taking drugs or alcohol by a third party. Finally, another common vehicle crime is evading a police officer, or not stopping when ordered to by a police officer. Refusing to stop for a police officer includes the offender consciously attempting to evade the police officer, despite having the officer’s sirens go off, having them be in uniform, while driving a distinctively marked car. There are no circumstances in which refusing to stop for a police officer are allowed. Upon the officer’s request, the operator of the car has to pull over.

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Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

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Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

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Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

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