Vehicular Crimes
Attorney in California
Arrested for a Vehicular Crime? Get Immediate Legal Help.
Vehicular crimes cover a wide range of offenses involving a motor vehicle where criminal liability attaches — from driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving to hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.
If you’re facing any of these charges, the stakes are high: criminal penalties, license consequences, and life-changing collateral effects.
Common Charges & Penalties Under California Law
Here’s a breakdown of typical vehicular crime charges in California, and what they could mean for someone charged:
- 1. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – VC 23152 : Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is one of the most common vehicular crimes in California. Penalties for a first DUI can include probation, fines, DUI classes, possible jail time, and a driver’s license suspension.
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2. Reckless Driving – VC 23103 / 23104 / 23105 : Reckless driving means driving with a “wanton disregard” for safety. Penalties depend on whether someone was hurt:
- No injury: Up to 90 days in jail and fines
- Injury: Up to 6 months in jail
- Serious injury: Can be charged as a felony with possible prison time
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3. Hit-and-Run – VC 20001 / 20002 : Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in California.
- Injury or death: Felony — possible prison and large fines
- Property damage only: Misdemeanor
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4. Vehicular Manslaughter – PC 192(c) : This charge applies when someone dies because of negligent driving (not DUI).
- Ordinary negligence: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail
- Gross negligence: Felony, possible multi-year prison sentence
- 5. Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – PC 191.5(a) : A DUI combined with gross negligence and a fatality. Penalties are extremely serious, including 4–10 years in state prison.
- 6. Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated (Ordinary Negligence) – PC 191.5(b) : A DUI accident causing a death without gross negligence. This can be charged as either a misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) or a felony (up to 4 years).
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7. Driving With a Suspended License in California : Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor in California under Vehicle Code 14601. The prosecution must prove you knew your license was suspended. Penalties depend on why your license was suspended:
- General suspension (VC 14601): Fines up to $1,000 and 5 days–6 months in jail.
- Suspended because of DUI (VC 14601.2) : 10 days–6 months in jail, higher fines, and in some cases an ignition-interlock device.
- Chemical test refusal or high BAC (VC 14601.5) : Up to 6 months in jail and fines.
- If someone is injured (VC 14601.4) : Additional jail time and fines.
Vehicular Crimes Types We Handle
Why These Charges Are Serious
- Long-Term Consequences : A conviction for vehicular crime can lead to prison, heavy fines, and criminal record.
- License Risks : You may lose your driving privileges, face license suspension, or even revocation.
- Insurance & Financial Impact : Convictions often trigger skyrocketing insurance rates, restitution, and civil liability.
- Collateral Legal Risks : For serious offenses (e.g., manslaughter), there may also be parole, probation, or other court-ordered conditions.
- Reputation : These are not just traffic tickets — they are criminal cases.
Legal Defenses in Vehicular Crime Cases
At California Criminal Defense Center, we specialize in defending clients against vehicular crime charges in California. Here are some of the legal strategies and defenses we use:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop or Investigation
- Disputing Impairment
- Negligence vs. Gross Negligence
- Accident Reconstruction & Expert Analysis
- Negotiation and Plea Options
What Our Clients Say
“Working with Ardalon Fakhimi and his team was nothing short of life-changing. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to turn, but his calm confidence and mastery of the law gave me hope. The case resolved far better than I ever imagined.”
“Professional, approachable, and incredibly effective. Ardalon explained every step clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and always made me feel like a priority. I couldn’t recommend him highly enough.”
“I’ve dealt with other attorneys in the past, but Ardalon Fakhimi’s firm is in a league of its own. Respectful, responsive, and results-driven. They truly care about their clients’ lives and futures.”
“Ardalon Fakhimi is the person you want by your side when the stakes are high. His reputation in the courtroom is unmatched, and it shows in the way judges and opposing counsel respect him.”
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
- First Hours Are Crucial : Evidence can degrade quickly. The sooner you engage a defense attorney, the faster we can protect your rights.
- DMV Hearings : A DUI arrest doesn’t just affect criminal court — the DMV may also suspend your license immediately. We help at both levels.
- Maximize Defense Options : Early intervention allows us to bring in experts, interview witnesses, and build a robust strategy.
- Reduce Long-Term Damage : With the right legal support, we can often get penalties reduced, avoid prison, and protect your driving privileges.
Why Choose California Criminal Defense Center
Not all defense attorneys are the same. Here’s why drivers throughout Los Angeles County trust our firm:
Specialized Experience
Our attorneys have deep experience defending vehicular crime cases — DUI, hit-and-run, manslaughter, and more.
Track Record
We’ve achieved favorable outcomes, including reduced charges, dropped cases, and minimal sentencing.
Client-First Approach
We treat every client with respect and focus on your long-term well-being — not just the court case.
24/7 Availability
Vehicular crime arrests can happen anytime. We are ready to respond.
Free Consultation
We offer a no-obligation case evaluation to help you understand your options.
Areas We Serve
We defend clients across Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Irvine, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Huntington Beach, Hermosa Beach, and nearby communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicular crimes include DUI, hit-and-run, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, vehicular manslaughter, and evading police. Some charges are misdemeanors, while others can become felonies depending on injury or prior offenses.
Not always. Many factors affect sentencing — prior record, whether someone was injured, and how quickly you get legal representation. An attorney can often negotiate reduced charges, alternatives to jail, or probation.
Yes. Common defenses include lack of evidence, improper police procedures, no proof of intent, inaccurate chemical test results, or lack of knowledge (for suspended license cases). Every case must be reviewed individually.
Yes. Even first-time charges can lead to license suspension, fines, higher insurance rates, or a criminal record. A lawyer helps protect your driving privileges and negotiates better outcomes.
Next Steps: Speak With a Vehicular Crimes Defense Attorney Now
If you or a loved one is facing vehicular crime charges in California, time is critical. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We’ll assess your case, explain your rights, and help you make informed decisions about your defense.
