California Vehicular Crimes and Seizures Defense Attorneys
Vehicular crimes in California include offenses such as vehicular manslaughter, hit and run, reckless driving, evading police, and driving on a suspended license. These charges often carry significant penalties including state prison time, license revocation, and vehicle seizure or forfeiture.
At Smilove & Rosenblum APC, we defend clients facing the full spectrum of vehicular crime charges. We understand the serious consequences at stake and work aggressively to protect your freedom, your driving privileges, and your property.
Types of Vehicular Crimes We Handle
Our firm defends clients charged with vehicular manslaughter (Penal Code 191.5 and 192(c)), hit and run causing injury or death (Vehicle Code 20001), hit and run causing property damage (Vehicle Code 20002), reckless driving (Vehicle Code 23103), evading a police officer (Vehicle Code 2800.1-2800.3), driving on a suspended or revoked license (Vehicle Code 14601), speed contests and exhibition of speed (Vehicle Code 23109), and vehicle theft (Vehicle Code 10851).
Vehicle Seizure and Forfeiture
In certain cases, law enforcement may seize your vehicle as evidence or for forfeiture. Common scenarios include vehicles used in the commission of certain drug crimes, vehicles driven by someone with multiple DUI convictions, vehicles involved in speed contests or reckless driving, and vehicles associated with organized criminal activity. California’s forfeiture laws require the government to prove the vehicle was connected to criminal activity. Our attorneys challenge unlawful seizures and fight to get your property returned.
Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter is one of the most serious vehicular charges. Under Penal Code Section 191.5, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated can be charged as a felony carrying up to 10 years in state prison. Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated can carry 4 to 10 years. Even without intoxication, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence under PC 192(c) can result in up to 6 years in prison. The prosecution must prove either intoxication, gross negligence, or ordinary negligence. Our defense strategies focus on challenging the evidence of impairment, disputing the cause of death, and demonstrating the absence of negligence.
Hit and Run Defense
California law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop and exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident causing injury is a felony under Vehicle Code 20001. However, there are legitimate defenses, including lack of knowledge that an accident occurred, leaving the scene due to safety concerns, and mistaken identity. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances to build the strongest defense possible.
Free Consultation
If you are facing vehicular crime charges or your vehicle has been seized, contact Smilove & Rosenblum APC at (800) 300-3226 or request a consultation online. We provide aggressive defense and fight to protect your rights.