Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

Stolen License Plate

I was driving and was stopped by the police. When asked why i was stopped the cop did not give me a specific reason. He told me he ran a check on the car and the license plate did not match the car. The owner was in the car and the car was not stolen. However, it was isured but not registered. I was given a ticket for driving a vehicle with a stolen plate. Is this a criminal charge or traffic violation and what can i do in my defense?


Asked on 7/02/03, 1:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Stolen License Plate

Your first question "Traffic or Criminal?" is properly answered both. Any statute with a criminal penalty (fine, imprisonment or death) is a criminal statute. This offense is a misdemeanor.

While this ticket is written by police to the driver. Most prosecutors and judges that I know will consider that a non-owner of the vehicle usually does not know the status of the plate (registration). If the prosecutor is approachable in his(her) office, make an appointment and discuss this with him. Hopefully he will work something out with you. If not subponae the vehicle's owner to testify for you at trial. You should be able to prove that you didn't know the plate was stolen (unless there is a reason why the Court should believe that you did know).

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Answered on 7/02/03, 8:15 am


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