Using someone else’s license tag (license plate) or registration sticker is generally a misdemeanor in Florida, but it can result in jail time and having a criminal record which can affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, get a record sealed or expunged or take out college loans.
If you have been arrested or cited for attaching a tag not assigned to your vehicle in Florida, contact an experienced West Palm Beach attaching tag not assigned lawyer to discuss the charges against you. An experienced traffic attorney can determine what legal defenses may be available to you, and get the information you need to make an informed decision about what is best for you.
Consequences of Driving with an Unassigned License Tag
According to Florida Statute Sec. 320.261, a person can be found guilty of driving with an unassigned license tag if they:
Knowingly attach to any motor vehicle or mobile home any registration license plate, or who knowingly attach any validation sticker or mobile home sticker to a registration license plate, which plate or sticker was not issued and assigned or lawfully transferred to the vehicle.
While that definition may seem a bit confusing, it essentially means that someone who intentionally uses another person’s license plate, license plate registration sticker, or mobile home sticker for their own purposes can be charged with the crime. Driving with an unassigned license tag in Florida is generally considered a second-degree misdemeanor which can result in up to $500 in fines and spending up to 60 days in Jail.
Potential Defenses to Driving with a Tag Not Assigned
The best, and most common, defense to a charge of attaching a registration license plate or sticker not lawfully assigned to someone is lack of knowledge or mistake.
In fact, this is the case in many situations as it is very easy to simply place the wrong license plate or sticker on a motor vehicle – especially for families that may own several vehicles. Perhaps a family member put the wrong tag on the wrong car, for instance.
However, regardless if the error was unintentional or simply a temporary lack of good judgment, it is important to contact an experienced West Palm Beach attaching a tag not assigned attorney who can review the situation and determine whether it may be possible to have the charges dismissed altogether or have them mitigated through a plea bargain.
Oftentimes, supplying a valid registration for the vehicle with the correct tag will remedy the situation and result in an attorney getting these criminal charges dismissed on someone’s behalf without an individual ever having to go to court.
How a West Palm Beach Attaching Tag not Assigned Attorney Can Help
Anyone charged with an unassigned license tag offense may think it is not worth fighting. However, while the fines may be nominal and the possibility of serving jail time may be low, avoiding a criminal record is worth fighting for as it can affect you for the rest of your life.
If you have been arrested or cited for attaching tag not assigned in Broward County, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, or anywhere in the Florida area, contact an experienced West Palm Beach attaching tag not assigned lawyer to review the charges against you and determine what legal defenses and courses of action you might have at your disposal.
