Buying or Possessing Vehicles with Altered VIN Numbers | Vehicle Code § 10803

Description: Altered VIN Offenses and Their Penalties

A person Buying or Possessing Vehicles with Altered VIN Numbers with the intent to resell or transfer the vehicle or any parts with the knowledge that the VIN of the motor vehicle or parts had been falsified may be charged with a felony.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

1. Defendant knowingly altered, counterfeited, defaced, destroyed, disguised, falsified, forged, obliterated or removed vehicle identification number.
2. Defendant intended to misrepresent the identity or prevented the identification of motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts, for the purpose of sale, transfer, import, or export.

Punishment

Felony: 2years/3years/4years
With probation 0-364 days
Misdemeanor: 0-364 days

Contact Our Skilled California Defense Attorneys at Griffin Law Office, APC

If you or someone you know is facing charges related to altered VIN numbers, our experienced legal team at Griffin Law Office, APC is here to help.

Altered VIN Offense FAQs:

Can this be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor (“wobbler”)?	Yes
Is this charge a strike?	No
Is this charge a “serious felony”	No
Is this charge a “violent felony”	No
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?	No
Do I have to register as a drug offender if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to own or possess a firearm if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to vote if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for a local sentence (PC § 1170(h)) if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for PC § 1000 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for Prop. 36 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I required to give a DNA sample if convicted?	No
Is this charge considered a “crime of moral turpitude” for immigration purposes?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “aggravated felony” for immigration purposes?	May
Is this charge considered a “controlled substance violation” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “domestic violence” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “firearm conviction” for immigration purposes?	No