Pitchess Motions

California DUI lawyers experienced in handling California drunk driving defense cases typically make one or more pretrial motions before the case goes to trial. One pretrial motion is called a Pitchess motion – a request made by the defense to access information in the arresting officer’s personnel file. The skilled California DUI lawyers at The Kavinoky Law Firm are experienced in every aspect of using Pitchess motions to improve the trial prospects of motorists accused of driving under the influence.

Pitchess motions stem from a 1974 California Supreme Court case, Pitchess vs. Superior Court, which is now included in the California Evidence Code. The court in the Pitchess case mandated that a defendant must receive any information that is relevant to the defense. The arresting officer’s personnel file may contain information that support’s a defendant’s claim that the officer engaged in misconduct in the past. Complaints might include excessive force, racial bias, false arrest, planting evidence, discrimination, harassment, or criminal conduct on the part of the arresting officer.

The most common reasoning behind the request for personnel records involves questioning the arresting officer’s credibility. Items in the officer’s personnel file that might call his or her honesty into question include allegations of filing a false police report, using improper tactics, such as illegal or non-approved methods of attaining evidence, or physically abusing or threatening a defendant.

Pitchess motions are extremely complex and require an experienced California DUI lawyer who understands all aspects of this motion. If the correct procedure isn’t followed, the personnel records of the arresting officer may never be revealed, and won’t be utilized in the type of defense necessary to win a DUI / DWI case involving officer misconduct.

A hearing is required to determine whether the officer’s records can be accessed, because the court must balance the rights of the defendant against the officer’s equally compelling interest in maintaining privacy. The hearing is designed to ensure an appropriate balance of these two compelling interests.

Records that may be accessed after a successful Pitchess motion might include records of internal affairs investigations, citizen complaints, and psychological or other medical information concerning the arresting officer. However, the requested records must be relevant to the specific complaint. For example, if the defendant is alleging that the officer filed a false police report, then allegations of excessive force would not be open to investigation.

A Pitchess motion must be served on the custodian of the records. In most cases, this is the law enforcement agency that employs the officer. The motion must include a hearing notice which details the records sought, legal arguments in support of disclosure in that particular case, a declaration under oath (usually by the defendant’s attorney) which specifies the defenses raised and the factual justification for disclosure, and a proposed order for the judge to sign. If excessive force is charged against the officer, then a copy of the police report must be attached.

The motion must be served at least 21 calendar days before the hearing date if hand-delivered to the law enforcement agency. If the motion is served in the mail, then five additional days are required.

The hearing occurs in two steps. During the first step, the judge determines which records are subject to disclosure. Second, the judge will review the particular records in camera, meaning outside of the presence of the lawyers and defendant.

A successful Pitchess motion must demonstrate good cause, meaning that the defense must substantiate the claim with relevant facts from the incident. The court must determine that the defendant has set forth specific facts that support the particular records requested. However, the legal standard for good cause is relatively low. The defendant making the request need only show that the scenario of police misconduct could or might have occurred. If the records are too old, the judge isn’t likely grant access to them, even if they involve the same type of misconduct alleged.

Successful Pitchess motions are favorable rulings for defendants that result in arresting officers’ records being released. An experienced California DUI lawyer will use that information in an attempt to demonstrate a pattern of misconduct on the part of the arresting officer, which may result in certain evidence being excluded at trial.

California DUI Law – Misdemeanor and Felony DUI

The basic DUI law can be found in California Vehicle Code sections 23152 and 23153.

In order to convict a person of DUI, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused drove a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both; or, that the accused drove a vehicle with .08 or more, by weight, of alcohol in the blood, BAC.

A DUI case may be charged as a felony (meaning the punishment can be a term in state prison for a minimum of 16 months) where someone is injured, or where the accused has three or more prior DUI convictions. (Note that certain related charges, such as “wet reckless” driving may count as a prior DUI conviction for this purpose.) These violations must have happened within ten (10) years of the new charge to count against the accused as a prior conviction.

Remember, there are two ways to be convicted of DUI:

1. Failing to operate a vehicle with the same caution characteristic of a sober person under the same or similar conditions (being a sloppy driver as the result of drinking or taking drugs); or
2. Driving a vehicle while having .08 or more, by weight, of alcohol in the blood, See Blood Alcohol Calculator (BAC).

So, how do prosecutors convict people of driving while intoxicated? The evidence typically falls into one of three broad categories: Driving, Field Sobriety Tests, and Chemical Tests.

Under the Influence of Drugs

Under California Health and Safety Code section 11550, it’s against the law to be under the influence of a controlled substance such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or Ecstasy. It’s also illegal to be under the influence of prescription narcotics classified as Schedule III, IV or V unless they’re taken with a valid prescription.

A skilled California drug lawyer from The Kavinoky Law Firm will do everything possible to fight your under the influence of drugs case as well as any other criminal charges you face.

A violation of California H&S 1150 is a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days to one year in jail. However, if you meet certain qualifications, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing such as a deferred entry of judgment (DEJ), Prop. 36, or drug court.

If you are eligible for diversion and successfully complete the program, you can put the incident behind you without having a criminal record. Defendants completing California drug diversion are typically required to attend 12-step meetings, classes and/or counseling sessions, take periodic drug tests, and complete all requirements laid out by the court.

If you’re facing a California under the influence of drugs or narcotics charge, it’s in your best interests to aggressively fight the charges. Experienced California criminal defnese lawyers from The Kavinoky Law Firm will fight to protect your reputation and your freedom. Please contact a knowledgeable California drug lawyer today at 1.800.NO.CUFFS for a free consultation or fill out the following form to receive a Free Drug Case Evaluation.

California Vehicle Code VC 13352 – Suspension or Revocation for DUI or Speed Contest

13352. (a) The department shall immediately suspend or revoke the privilege of a person to operate a motor vehicle upon the receipt of an abstract of the record of any court showing that the person has been convicted of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 or subdivision (a) of Section 23109, or upon the receipt of a report of a judge of the juvenile court, a juvenile traffic hearing officer, or a referee of a juvenile court showing that the person has been found to have committed a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 or subdivision (a) of Section 23109. If any offense specified in this section occurs in a vehicle defined in Section 15210, the suspension or revocation specified below shall apply to the noncommercial driving privilege. The commercial driving privilege shall be disqualified as specified in Sections 15300 to 15302, inclusive. For the purposes of this section, suspension or revocation shall be as follows:

1. Except as required under Section 13352.4, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23536, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of six months. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility and gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code described in subdivision (b) of Section 23538. If the court, as authorized under paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 23646, elects to order a person to enroll, participate and complete either program described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23542, the department shall require that program in lieu of the program described in subdivision (b) of Section 23538. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit may not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation.
2. Upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23554, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of one year. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility and gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code as described in subdivision (b) Section 23556. If the court, as authorized under paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 23646, elects to order a person to enroll, participate, and complete either program described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 23542, the department shall require that program in lieu of the program described in Section 23556. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit may not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation.
3. Except as provided in Section 13352.5, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23540, the privilege shall be suspended for two years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility and gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23542. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after completion of 12 months of the suspension period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
   1. The person has satisfactorily provided, subsequent to the violation date of the current underlying conviction, either of the following:
      1. Proof of enrollment in an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code.
      2. Proof of enrollment in a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment.
   2. The person agrees, as a condition of the restriction, to continue satisfactory participation in the program described in subparagraph (A).
   3. The person submits the "Verification of Installation" form described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 13386.
   4. The person agrees to maintain the ignition interlock device as required under subdivision (g) of Section 23575.
   5. The person provides proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
   6. The person pays all administrative fees or reissue fees and any restriction fee required by the department.
   7. The restriction shall remain in effect for the period required in subdivision (f) of Section 23575.
4. Except as provided in this paragraph, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23560, the privilege shall be revoked for a period of three years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility, and the person gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23562. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after the completion of ( )1 12 months of the revocation period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
   1. Except as provided in this paragraph, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23560, the privilege shall be revoked for a period of three years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility, and the person gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of a driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23562. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after the completion of ( )1 12 months of the revocation period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
      1. ( )2 The initial 12 months of an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code.
      2. The initial ( )1 12 months of a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, and the person agrees, as a condition of the restriction, to continue satisfactory participation in that 30-month program.
   2. The person submits the "Verification of Installation" form described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 13386.
   3. The person agrees to maintain the ignition interlock device as required under subdivision (g) of Section 23575.
   4. The person provides proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
   5. The person pays all applicable reinstatement or reissue fees and any restriction fee required by the department.
   6. The restriction shall remain in effect for the period required in subdivision (f) of Section 23575.
5. Except as provided in this paragraph, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23546, the privilege shall be revoked for a period of three years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person files proof of financial responsibility and gives proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of one of the following programs: an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as described in subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 23548, or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, or a program specified in Section 8001 of the Penal Code. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after completion of ( )1 12 months of the revocation period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
   1. The person has satisfactorily completed, subsequent to the violation date of the current underlying conviction, either of the following:
      1. ( )2 The initial 12 months of an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code.
      2. The initial ( )1 12 months of a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, and the person agrees, as a condition of the restriction, to continue satisfactory participation in the 30-month driving-under-the-influence program.
   2. The person submits the "Verification of Installation" form described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 13386.
   3. The person agrees to maintain the ignition interlock device as required under subdivision (g) of Section 23575.
   4. The person provides proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
   5. An individual convicted of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23546 may also, at any time after sentencing, petition the court for referral to an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code. Unless good cause is shown, the court shall order the referral.
   6. The person pays all applicable reinstatement or reissue fees and any restriction fee required by the department.
   7. The restriction shall remain in effect for the period required in subdivision (f) of Section 23575.
6. Except as provided in this paragraph, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23550.5 or 23566, the privilege shall be revoked for a period of five years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility and proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of one of the following programs: an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23568 or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, or a program specified in Section 8001 of the Penal Code. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after the completion of ( )3 12 months of the revocation period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
   1. The person has satisfactorily completed, subsequent to the violation date of the current underlying conviction, either of the following:
      1. The initial ( )1 12 months of a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, and the person agrees, as a condition of the restriction, to continue satisfactory participation in the 30-month driving-under-the-influence program.
      2. ( )2 The initial 12 months of an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if a 30-month program is unavailable in the person’s county of residence or employment.
   2. The person submits the "Verification of Installation" form described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 13386.
   3. The person agrees to maintain the ignition interlock device as required under subdivision (g) of Section 23575.
   4. The person provides proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
   5. Any individual convicted of a violation of Section 23153 punishable under Section 23566 may also, at any time after sentencing, petition the court for referral to an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code. Unless good cause is shown, the court shall order the referral.
   6. The person pays all applicable reinstatement or reissue fees and any restriction fee required by the department.
   7. The restriction shall remain in effect for the period required in subdivision (f) of Section 23575.
7. Except as provided in this paragraph, upon a conviction or finding of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23550 or 23550.5, or Section 23153 punishable under Section 23550.5 the privilege shall be revoked for a period of four years. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility and proof satisfactory to the department of successful completion of one of the following programs: an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, or a program specified in Section 8001 of the Penal Code. For the purposes of this paragraph, enrollment, participation, and completion of an approved program shall be subsequent to the date of the current violation. Credit shall not be given to any program activities completed prior to the date of the current violation. The department shall advise the person that after the completion of ( )4 12 months of the revocation period, which may include credit for any suspension period served under subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3, the person may apply to the department for a restricted driver’s license, subject to the following conditions:
   1. The person has satisfactorily completed, subsequent to the violation date of the current underlying conviction, either of the following:
      1. ( )2 The initial 12 months of an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code.
      2. The initial ( )1 12 months of a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, and the person agrees, as a condition of the restriction, to continue satisfactory participation in the 30-month driving-under-the-influence program.
   2. The person submits the "Verification of Installation" form described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 13386.
   3. The person agrees to maintain the ignition interlock device as required under subdivision (g) of Section 23575.
   4. The person provides proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
   5. An individual convicted of a violation of Section 23152 punishable under Section 23550 may also, at any time after sentencing, petition the court for referral to an 18-month driving-under-the-influence program or, if available in the county of the person’s residence or employment, a 30-month driving-under-the-influence program licensed pursuant to Section 11836 of the Health and Safety Code. Unless good cause is shown, the court shall order the referral.
   6. The person pays all applicable reinstatement or reissue fees and any restriction fee required by the department.
   7. The restriction shall remain in effect for the period required in subdivision (f) of Section 23575.
8. Upon a conviction or finding of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 23109 that is punishable under subdivision (e) of that section, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of 90 days to six months, if ordered by the court. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.
9. Upon a conviction or finding of a violation of subdivision (a) of Section 23109 that is punishable under subdivision (f) of that section, the privilege shall be suspended for a period of six months, if ordered by the court. The privilege may not be reinstated until the person gives proof of financial responsibility, as defined in Section 16430.

(b) For the purpose of paragraphs (2) to (9), inclusive, of subdivision (a), the finding of the juvenile court judge, the juvenile hearing officer, or the referee of a juvenile court of a commission of a violation of Section 23152 or 23153 or subdivision (a) of Section 23109, as specified in subdivision (a) of this section, is a conviction.

(c) A judge of a juvenile court, juvenile hearing officer, or referee of a juvenile court shall immediately report the findings specified in subdivision (a) to the department.

(d) A conviction of an offense in any state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or Canada that, if committed in this state, would be a violation of Section 23152, is a conviction of Section 23152 for the purposes of this section, and a conviction of an offense that, if committed in this state, would be a violation of Section 23153, is a conviction of Section 23153 for the purposes of this section. The department shall suspend or revoke the privilege to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to this section upon receiving notice of that conviction.

(e) For the purposes of the restriction conditions specified in paragraphs (3) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a), the department shall terminate the restriction imposed pursuant to this section and shall suspend or revoke the person’s driving privilege upon receipt of notification from the driving-under-the-influence program that the person has failed to comply with the program requirements. The person’s driving privilege shall remain suspended or revoked for the remaining period of the original suspension or revocation imposed under this section and until all reinstatement requirements described in this section are met.

(f) For the purposes of this section, completion of a program is the following:

1. Satisfactory completion of all program requirements approved pursuant to program licensure, as evidenced by a certificate of completion issued, under penalty of perjury, by the licensed program.
2. Certification, under penalty of perjury, by the director of a program specified in Section 8001 of the Penal Code, that the person has completed a program specified in Section 8001 of the Penal Code.

(g) The holder of a commercial driver’s license who was operating a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Section 15210, at the time of a violation that resulted in a suspension or revocation of the person’s noncommercial driving privilege under this section is not eligible for the restricted driver’s license authorized under paragraphs (3) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a).( )5

Amended Sec. 1.5, Ch. 595, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative September 20, 2005.
Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 646, Stats. 2005. Effective January 1, 2006. Supersedes Sec. 199, Ch. 22.
The 2005 amendment added the italicized material, and at the point(s) indicated, deleted the following:

1. "18"
2. "An"
3. "30"
4. "24"
5. "(h) This section shall become operative on September 20, 2005."

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California Vehicle Code VC 13354 – Driver’s License Actions: Consecutive

13354 (a) Notwithstanding Section 13366, if (1) an abstract of conviction is received by the department for an offense which requires the department to restrict, suspend, or revoke the privilege to operate a motor vehicle of a person after conviction or finding of a violation pursuant to Section 13352 or 13352.5, (2) there is a suspension of that person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle already in effect for refusal to consent to, or for failure to complete, a chemical test pursuant to Section 13353 or a suspension already in effect for driving with an excessive alcohol content in the person’s blood pursuant to Section 13353.2, (3) that suspension is administratively final and resulted from the same arrest, and (4) the sentencing court orders these restrictions, suspensions, revocations, or a combination thereof to run consecutively, then the restriction, suspension, or revocation resulting from the conviction or finding pursuant to Section 13352 or 13352.5 shall commence after the suspension already in effect pursuant to Section 13353 or 13353.2 has terminated, except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3

(b) Notwithstanding Section 13366, if (1) the department is required to suspend a person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for refusal to consent to, or for failure to complete, a chemical test pursuant to Section 13353 or to suspend a person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for driving with an excessive alcohol content in the person’s blood pursuant to Section 13353.2, (2) there is a restriction, suspension, or revocation of the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle already in effect for a conviction or finding of a violation pursuant to Section 13352 or 13352.5 which resulted from the same arrest, and (3) the sentencing court orders these restrictions, suspensions, revocations, or a combination thereof to run consecutively, then the suspension for refusal to consent to, or for failure to complete, the chemical test pursuant to Section 13353 or the suspension of that person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle already in effect for driving with an excessive alcohol content in the person’s blood pursuant to Section 13353.2 shall commence after the restriction, suspension, or revocation already in effect pursuant to Section 13352 or 13352.5 has terminated, except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 13353.3.

(c) The purpose of this section is to require that any suspension under Section 13353 or 13353.2 and any restriction, suspension or revocation under Section 13352 or 13352.5 resulting from the same arrest are cumulative and shall be imposed consecutively, if so ordered by the court.

(d) This section shall become inoperative on September 20, 2005, and, as of January 1, 2006, is repealed, unless a later enacted statute that is enacted before January 1, 2006, deletes or extends the dates on which it becomes inoperative and is repealed.

Amended and repealed Sec. 11, Ch. 551, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005.
Repeal operative January 1, 2006.

NOTE: The preceding section becomes inoperative on September 20, 2005, and is repealed January 1, 2006.

» Return to California Vehicle Codes

Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.

California Vehicle Code VC 13369 – Refusal to Issue or Renew, Suspension, or Revocation of Certificate or Endorsement

13369. (a) This section applies to the following endorsements and certificates:

1. Passenger transportation vehicle.
2. Hazardous materials.
3. Schoolbus.
4. School pupil activity bus.
5. Youth bus.
6. General public paratransit vehicle.
7. Farm labor vehicle.
8. Vehicle used for the transportation of developmentally disabled persons.

(b) The department shall refuse to issue or renew, or shall revoke the certificate or endorsement of any person who meets the following conditions:

1. (1) Within ( )1 three years, has committed any violation that results in a conviction assigned a violation point count of two or more, as defined in Sections 12810 and 12810.5. The department may not refuse to issue or renew, nor may it revoke, a person’s hazardous materials or passenger transportation vehicle endorsement if the violation leading to the conviction occurred in the person’s private vehicle and not in a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Section 15210.
2. (2) Within ( )1 three years, has had his or her driving privilege suspended, revoked, or on probation for any reason involving unsafe operation of a motor vehicle. The department may not refuse to issue or renew, nor may it revoke, a person’s passenger transportation vehicle endorsement if the person’s driving privilege has, within ( )1 three years, been placed on probation only for any reason involving unsafe operation of a motor vehicle.
3. (3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), does not meet the qualifications for issuance of a hazardous materials endorsement set forth in Parts 383, 384, and 1572 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) The department may refuse to issue or renew, or may suspend or revoke the certificate or endorsement of any person who meets any of the following conditions:

1. Within ( )1 12 months, has been involved as a driver in three accidents in which the driver caused or contributed to the causes of the accidents.
2. Within ( )1 24 months, as a driver, caused or contributed to the cause of an accident resulting in a fatality or serious injury or serious property damage in excess of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750).
3. Has violated any provision of this code, or any rule or regulation pertaining to the safe operation of a vehicle for which the certificate or endorsement was issued.
4. Has violated any restriction of the certificate, endorsement, or commercial driver’s license.
5. Has knowingly made a false statement or ( )2 failed to disclose a material fact on an application for a certificate or endorsement.
6. Has been determined by the department to be a negligent or incompetent operator.
7. Has demonstrated irrational behavior to the extent that a reasonable and prudent person would have reasonable cause to believe that the applicant’s ability to perform the duties of a driver may be impaired.
8. Excessively or habitually uses, or is addicted to, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or dangerous drugs.
9. Does not meet the minimum medical standards established or approved by the department.

(d) The department may cancel the certificate or endorsement of any driver who meets any of the following conditions:

1. Does not have a valid driver’s license of the appropriate class.
2. Has requested cancellation of the certificate or endorsement.
3. Has failed to meet any of the requirements for issuance or retention of the certificate or endorsement, including, but not limited to, payment of the proper fee, submission of an acceptable medical report and fingerprint cards, and ( )3 compliance with prescribed training requirements.
4. Has had his or her driving privilege suspended or revoked for a cause involving other than the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

(e) ( )4 (1) Reapplication following ( )5 refusal or revocation under subdivision (b) or (c) may be made after a period of not less than one year from the effective date of denial or revocation, except in cases where a longer period of suspension or revocation is required by law.

(2) Reapplication following cancellation under subdivision ( )6 (d) may be made at any time without prejudice. ( )7

Added Sec. 12.5, Ch. 952, Stats. 2004. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative September 20, 2005.
Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 66, Stats. 2005. Effective January 1, 2006.
The 2005 amendment added the italicized material, and at the point(s) indicated, deleted the following:

1. "the prededing"
2. "concealed"
3. "has failed to meet"
4. "With regard to a violation, accident, or departmental action that occurred prior to January 1, 1991, subdivision (a) and paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subdivision (b) do not apply to a driver holding a valid passenger transport or hazardous materials endorsement, or a valid class 1 or class 2 driver’s license who is applying to convert that driver’s license to a class A or class B driver’s license with a passenger transport or hazardous materials endorsement, if the driver submits proof that he or she is currently employed operating vehicles requiring the endorsement, or a valid class 3 driver’s license who is applying for a class C driver’s license with a hazardous materials endorsement if the driver submits proof that he or she is currently employed operating vehicles requiring the endorsement.

(f) Subdivision (e) does not apply to drivers applying for a schoolbus, school pupil activity bus, youth bus, general public paratransit vehicle, or farm labor vehicle certificate.
(g) "

1. "denial"
2. "(e)"
3. "(h) This section shall become operative on September 20, 2005."

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California Vehicle Code VC 23576 – Exception for Operation of Vehicle

23576. (a) Notwithstanding Section 23575, if a person is required to operate a motor vehicle in the course and scope of his or her employment and if the vehicle is owned by the employer, the person may operate that vehicle without installation of an approved ignition interlock device if the employer has been notified by the person that the person’s driving privilege has been restricted pursuant to Section 23575 and if the person has proof of that notification in his or her possession, or if the notice, or a facsimile copy thereof, is with the vehicle.

(b) A motor vehicle owned by a business entity that is all or partly owned or controlled by a person otherwise subject to Section 23575, is not a motor vehicle owned by the employer subject to the exemption in subdivision (a).

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.

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California Vehicle Code VC 23554 – Penalties: First Conviction

23554. If any person is convicted of a first violation of Section 23153, that person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or in a county jail for not less than 90 days nor more than one year, and by a fine of not less than three hundred ninety dollars ($390) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). The person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13352. The court shall require the person to surrender the driver’s license to the court in accordance with Section 13550.

Added Sec. 84, Ch. 118, Stats. 1998. Effective January 1, 1999. Operative July 1, 1999.
Amended Sec. 28, Ch. 545, Stats. 2002. Effective January 1, 2003.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 23226 – Storage of Opened Container in Passenger Compartment

23226. (a) It is unlawful for any driver to keep in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, when the vehicle is upon any highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.

(b) It is unlawful for any passenger to keep in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, when the vehicle is upon any highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can, or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage that has been opened or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.

(c) This section shall not apply to the living quarters of a housecar or camper.

Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 384, Stats. 1998. Effective August 24, 1998.
Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 723, Stats. 1999. Effective January 1, 2000.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
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California Vehicle Code VC 23135 – Operation of Modified Motorized Bicycle

23135. It is unlawful for any person to operate upon a highway any vehicle which was originally manufactured as a motorized bicycle, as defined in Section 406, and which has been modified in such a manner that it no longer conforms to the definition of a motorized bicycle.

Added Ch. 421, Stats. 1978. Effective January 1, 1979.

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Note: Laws change frequently and thus the information provided should not be relied upon as legal advice. To be certain, contact a criminal defense attorney for a legal assistance.
www.NoCuffs.com is not liable for any misinformation that users obtain from using this site.