What is the Definition of Misuse of License Plates in Connecticut?
As any top Norwalk or Stamford Connecticut traffic lawyer can explain, under C.G.S. § 14-147, any person who counterfeits any numbered license plate, makes any substitute or temporary marker, counterfeits or alters any vehicles registration, or gives, loans or sells any counterfeited or altered number plate, marker, registration, or operator’s license can be arrested for misuse of license plates.
Can I Use Another Car’s License Plate to Just Transfer a Car?
No. Misuse of license plates charges in Connecticut include putting a license plate on a car to just transfer the car from one location to another.
Even Using Another Car’s Registration is a Misuse of Plate
Additionally, any person who uses any motor vehicle registration or operator’s license other than the one issued to them, or on any vehicle other than that which the registration is issued, is guilty of misuse of license plates.
A Connecticut Misuse of Plates Summons is Considered An Official Arrest
What most people don’t realize is that when you are pulled over and given a ticket by Stamford or Norwalk Police for misuse of plates, you have technically been arrested and have been given a misdemeanor summons to appear in Norwalk Superior Court. This arrest will show up on every employment background check until the case is dismissed.
How Do I Get My Misuse of License Plates Charges Dismissed in Norwalk Court?
The strength of the Misuse of License Plates case against you will depend primarily on what is written in the arresting police officer’s reports that are provided to the state’s attorney. It is critical for your top CT traffic attorney to analyze this narrative, and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence against you. Frequently the reports will contain inconsistencies that can diminish the strength of the prosecutor’s case against you, and help with your attorney’s negotiations with the prosecutor.
If there are significant problems with your case, then your lawyer can move to dismiss your case, without you having to burn your Accelerated Rehabilitation program. Alternatively, your lawyer can present a strong package of information to the Judge, and aggressively push your application for the Accelerated Rehabilitation through, resulting in a full dismissal of the charges against you in a short period of time.
Can I Go to Jail for a Misuse of License Plate Ticket?
Yes. The top criminal defense attorneys in Norwalk and Stamford Connecticut can explain that Misuse of License Plates in Connecticut is a Class D misdemeanor in Connecticut punishable by fines and up to 30 days in jail if convicted, and also may result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
What Will Happen at My First Court Date for Misuse of Plates in Norwalk, Connecticut?
Your first court date will usually be within 10 to 14 days of your arrest. That date is technically known as the “arraignment,” and will be the first time you, or your lawyer, will be able to meet with the prosecutor, and discuss / assess the evidence against you.
This first court date is extremely important, and it is equally as important that you have a top Norwalk or Stamford criminal defense attorney with you to guide you through the process. If you miss this court date, a warrant for your arrest will be issued, and will result in charges for Failure to Appear being filed against you. So if you are unable to attend your Stamford or Norwalk court date, make sure you contact a top CT misuse of plates criminal defense attorney today to avoid an arrest warrant.
Call a Connecticut Misuse of Plates Criminal Lawyer Today
So, if you have been arrested for misuse of plates in Norwalk, Connecticut under CGS 14-147, contact the criminal traffic lawyers at Mark Sherman Law to try and avoid a permanent misdemeanor record. The earlier that we can assist you in your misuse of plates charge, the stronger the chance that we can have your misuse of plates dropped, and the charges dismissed from your record and background checks.
You can read our certified client reviews on Avvo.com. Then call us today at (203) 358-4700. We are available 24/7 to take your calls.
