Having an experienced vehicular crimes attorney in Los Angeles, CA can completely change the outcome of your case. In California, many driving behaviors, such as reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, are treated as criminal offenses and not as simple traffic tickets.
A conviction can result in high fines, driver’s license suspension, probation or even jail.
At Lluis Law, our criminal defense and traffic lawyers have more than 60 years of combined experience representing individuals accused of vehicular crimes throughout Southern California. We review the police report, the prosecutor’s evidence and any procedural errors to protect your rights.
We also work closely with our team of criminal lawyers in Los Angeles to offer full criminal defense when the case involves additional charges.
Below you will see what this type of lawyer does, what is considered a vehicular crime in California and which defenses may apply in your situation.
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What does a vehicular crimes attorney in Los Angeles do?
A vehicular crimes attorney in Los Angeles protects the rights of people accused of violating traffic laws or committing a criminal offense while driving. The main goal is to reduce the legal consequences and keep the driver from facing the harshest penalties.
- Evidence review: checks police reports, BAC or drug test results and technical accident findings.
- Procedure check: confirms whether the stop, arrest and chemical tests were done according to California law.
- Plea negotiations: seeks charge reductions or alternative dispositions when the facts allow it.
- DMV representation: tries to stop the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license in the administrative process.
- Court representation: presents a solid defense to obtain a dismissal, a not-guilty verdict or the lowest possible sentence.
The most common cases include reckless driving, DUI, hit and run, vehicular manslaughter and driving on a suspended license. Each one requires a different strategy and a solid understanding of the California Vehicle Code and Penal Code.
At Lluis Law we always build personalized defenses to reach the best possible outcome: dismissal, charge reduction or protection of your driving record.
What are vehicular crimes in California?
The term vehicular crimes refers to illegal conduct committed while operating a motor vehicle that violates the California Vehicle Code or the Penal Code. These are not simple traffic infractions, they are criminal charges that can leave you with a record.
Some of the most frequent vehicular crimes in Los Angeles are:
- Driving under the influence (DUI).
- Reckless driving or excessive speed.
- Hit and run or failing to render aid after a crash.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license.
- Driving without mandatory insurance.
- Causing injury or death through negligence behind the wheel.
In the most serious cases, such as vehicular manslaughter or a vehicular assault committed intentionally, the prosecutor may file the case as a felony.
Some California and out-of-state agencies even have a specialized vehicular crimes division devoted to investigating fatal or very serious crashes. Their reports often become the backbone of the prosecutor’s case, so it is essential that your attorney reviews them in detail.
Types of vehicular crimes and penalties
These are some of the vehicular crimes we most often see in Los Angeles. The actual sentence will depend on whether there were injuries, on the driver’s prior record and on how the defense is presented.
| Offense | Legal reference | Category | Possible penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving under the influence (DUI) | Veh. Code § 23152 | Misdemeanor / felony (if injuries) | Fines, license suspension, up to 1 year in county jail or state prison |
| Reckless driving | Veh. Code § 23103 | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000 |
| Hit and run (injury) | Veh. Code § 20001 | Felony | Up to 4 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000 |
| Driving on a suspended license | Veh. Code § 14601 | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and new license suspension |
| Driving without insurance | Veh. Code § 16028 | Infraction / misdemeanor | Fines up to $500 and possible vehicle impound |
| Vehicular manslaughter | Penal Code § 192(c) | Misdemeanor / felony | Up to 10 years in prison if gross negligence is proven |
There are also other traffic-related crimes such as illegal speed contests, evading the police or using a vehicle to commit another offense. When there are prior convictions or aggravating factors, penalties increase.
If you already received a citation or were arrested for any of these crimes, speak with a vehicular crimes attorney as soon as possible to review the report and the evidence.
Our vehicular crimes practice areas
The team at Lluis Law has represented, for decades, drivers, immigrants, delivery workers, professional drivers and families in Los Angeles. These are the most common vehicular crime matters we handle.
Los Angeles hit and run attorney
Leaving the scene of an accident is one of the most aggressively prosecuted vehicular crimes. If there were injuries or fatalities, the charge can be filed as a felony. We also review whether there was an added charge of resisting arrest in California to keep penalties from stacking.
DUI lawyers in Los Angeles
DUI is one of the most common vehicular crimes. We check whether the stop was legal and whether field or chemical tests were properly administered. When the case also involves controlled substances, we guide the client through Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer matters.
Driving on a suspended license in California
To convict, the prosecutor must prove you knew your license was suspended. A vehicular crimes attorney can challenge DMV notices or clerical errors. Once the case is resolved, it is often possible to clean your criminal record.
Driving without insurance accident
California requires minimum coverage. Without insurance, there may be a fine, civil liability and even vehicle impound. We negotiate to reduce the financial impact and, if the incident escalated, we evaluate whether carjacking in Los Angeles or another related charge was wrongly added.
Reckless driving in California
This is punished when the driver acts with disregard for the safety of others. Often, it can be negotiated down to an infraction — which is crucial when the client has an immigration process, because there are deportable offenses that immigration does not forgive.
Vehicular manslaughter in California
This is charged when a person dies due to negligent or dangerous driving. Our team reviews accident reconstruction, road conditions and the driver’s conduct. If the prosecutor is trying to aggravate the case, we also review what is established in murder laws in California.
These are only some of the situations the law considers vehicular crimes. Having a defense attorney from day one can help you avoid jail, a criminal record and even immigration problems.
Most common defenses in vehicular crime cases
Each case is different, but there are defenses that work well in vehicular crimes. We always check whether we can lower the charge or protect the driver’s license.
- Lack of intent or gross negligence: if we show it was a genuine accident, the charge may be reduced.
- Improperly obtained evidence: mistakes in the report, in the diagram or in BAC tests can invalidate the proof.
- Procedural violations: if the stop or arrest was unlawful, we can move to exclude what the police obtained.
- Plea bargaining: for first-time offenders, we can often request diversion or probation.
When the case involves prior convictions, tougher rules such as the California Three Strikes law may apply. In those scenarios, working with a vehicular crimes attorney who knows how cumulative sentences work is essential.
FAQs about vehicular crimes
These answers are for general information only but will help you understand how California usually treats vehicular crimes. For a specific case, speak directly with an attorney.
Is vehicular homicide a violent crime?
In many California cases, vehicular homicide is not automatically classified as a violent crime. However, if prosecutors prove conduct showing wanton disregard for human life, it can be elevated. This addresses common questions such as “is vehicular homicide a violent crime” or “is vehicular homicide considered a violent crime” in California law.
Is vehicular assault a violent crime?
It can be. Vehicular assault involves using the car as a weapon. If the act was intentional, the penalties increase and some benefits may be denied. That is why it is important to clearly explain what actually happened.
What if I already have a record and I am charged again?
If there are previous convictions, the judge may impose a higher sentence or apply repeat-offender laws such as the Three Strikes law. In those situations, it is key to show rehabilitation and that the new event was minor. Our team will also check whether it is better to involve the violent crimes lawyer area for a broader defense.
Will my license be suspended just because I was arrested?
Not always. The DMV has its own process and you can request a hearing. A vehicular crimes lawyer can request that hearing and present proof of your need to drive.
Why choose Lluis Law
Choosing the right vehicular crimes attorney in Los Angeles can be the difference between a minor disposition and a serious criminal record. We know the Los Angeles courts and how local prosecutors work.
- More than 60 years of combined experience.
- Bilingual defense for California’s Latino community.
- Criminal + immigration perspective when the client is a resident or undocumented.
- Full coverage: if the case also involves other crimes, we coordinate with Los Angeles sex crime attorney or theft lawyers.
Experienced lawyers for traffic-related crimes
If you already have a court date, do not ignore it. Talk today to a vehicular crimes attorney . We will review your report, the evidence and the available options to resolve it in the least harmful way.
We can also advise you after the case to clean your record, get your license back or prevent immigration consequences.
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