California roads and highways are frustrating places to be nowadays. Myriad drivers sit in traffic each day during their commutes to work or school. Minutes snail by, drivers honk or attempt impossible lane changes, pedestrians on the shoulder of the road pass by. Maintaining equanimity under such circumstances can be monumentally difficult. And as drivers lose patience, are late, just feel they can’t take it anymore, they sometimes make rash decisions that can cost them dearly. Road rage has a price.
Using one’s car against another can be construed as assault with a deadly weapon. An incident some years ago occurred on a Los Angeles freeway involving a big rig operator who snapped in heavy traffic, driving on ahead and plowing through the mass of cars. He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, and probably lost his right to drive permanently, not to mention his job.
The punishment for assault with a deadly weapon can be severe, indeed. Often individuals are sentenced to state prison and slapped with hefty fines. Even when they are released their problems are not over, either. They will find they can no longer drive in California. Ever.
California Penal Code 245 mandates that individuals who receive felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon using a motor vehicle lose their driving privileges. The DMV by law must revoke a person’s license, and “shall not reinstate a privilege revoked under any circumstances. As such, an individual convicted of the crime will face a lifetime revocation of driving privileges.”
Such a penalty can make getting to work or school problematic. Forget taking that driving trip to Yosemite. Don’t even think of driving your daughter to her softball game or dentist appointment.
The price of a moment’s indiscretion can cost you for a lifetime. So what do you do? It certainly doesn’t appear that roads are going to become less congested. Ultimately, you need to take measures that will ensure you don’t become one of the many who can never drive again in California. Learn relaxation techniques; listen to calming music; get lots of exercise in your spare time; leave for work early or try to change your schedule.
If you are charged with assault with a deadly weapon, particularly when it pertains to the use of a vehicle, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney in your corner that will fight to help you keep your license and your freedom. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have over 30 years’ experience successfully defending people like you. Call us today at 1-888-280-6839.
