Posted on 11/24/2018 1:38:38 AM PST by dangus
You are charged now with auto theft?
Prayers up. You’re getting some sound legal advice from much more knowledgeable people than I. Special prayers for your wife and daughter. As the parent of a child with perhaps similar health issues, the fear (hopefully not going to happen) of having to be away from her would be a terrifying thought. I’m glad you chose to bring your concerns to FR and humbled yourself to ask for prayers. God bless you.
Get a lawyer if you can afford one. At least call one up. I was in a terrible car accident and needed some advice. As in my case they gave me legal advice over the phone (no charge) as to what to tell the judge to minimize any legal implications. But a written prepared statement helps clarify the thoughts of what to (and what not to) say.
A reputable attorney should provide limited legal advice if he/she believes there is really nothing that can be done to assist you.
First, quit worrying. If you traded cars with the guy you should also have a title that is dated for the day of the transaction. Take it to court with you. Most states allow a certain amount of time to get plates transferred. Actually, you probably wouldn’t have gotten a temporary tag anyway since you had plates that could be transferred.
In the meantime, if you haven’t transferred the plates, do so. Take the new registration to court as well. In all likelihood, the judge will see the plates are correct, the title confirms the date of the transaction and the most you’re looking at is the stop sign (assuming he wrote you a ticket) and worst case, court costs for the other violation.
Unless there is more you’re not telling, this is usually something a prosecutor would ask a judge for costs only.
You’re gonna be fine.
I have done this more than 10 times while living in CT. The judge tosses it.
If it’s your first offense, it’ll be tossed. Tell the prosecutor about your home life. Have a friend sign a letter that talks about you and your family (How you’re needed).
Were you uninsured ? That’s usually the worse of the offenses. Just misuse of plates is a slap on the wrist and a fine of less than $500.
I don’t know what state you’re in but the worst for these offenses is NJ and VA, and then NY/CT/MA. MD and DE/DC area are the 3rd worse for traffic courts and nutty judges.
But seriously, You’re not going to jail.
Is the guy in trouble too?
Bets thing to do is hold the title and maybe put "Tag Applied For" sign on plate holder or in window as you have x-amount of days to get to the DMV after the transaction.
Of course, you know that now.
Prayers up that they are lenient with you.
Just go see the dealer and ask for his help. He might just help you out.
Prayers for you and your family.
Most people nowadays don’t make a complete stop at stop signs. If you don’t feel that little bump when you stop you haven’t made a complete stop and so it is considered running a stop sign. I train school bus drivers so I have to retrain people how to drive correctly. Old drivers have a lot of bad habits they have to unlearn.
Dangus,It will work out one step at a time.I will pray for all your intentions during my rosary today.((((Hugs)))))
Praying with you...
Prayers up for you and yours. Go to authorities and tell the truthful story. It might be the dealer you dealt with is in more trouble than you are.
It all depends on the state. In CA plates stay with the car. Here in MO plates go with the the car’s owner. Here, you trade in a car, you put your old plates on your new car. Yes, you have to go to Lic. Bureau to do paper work, pay taxes!, etc.
Exactly my comment - praying and recommend getting a lawyer if at all possible.
You won’t get jail time for switched plates.
Something doesn’t add up here.
I don’t see a problem. I bought a car recently and the plates were switched from the old car to the other car I bought. As long as the paperwork has been submitted to the DMV and insurance company, there should be no problems. Contact your insurance company first to determine if proper procedures were followed.
Not clear what the crime is. Improper license plates on the car - cure with a screwdriver and get the car properly registered.
Automobile theft/theft by taking/theft by receiving - you do have a serious issue on your hands.
Have you been arrested yet? Different set of issues, priorities, and options. Or are you just panicking, perhaps needlessly. Who told you it was a serious crime? A cop? A ‘friend’? A lawyer? The ‘Salesman/scammer?
Did any paperwork change hands?
Laws are going to vary by states - some states swapping plates is the common practice, some states you print a temporary online. Talk to a lawyer in your state as soon as you can.
Prayers for you
Tell the judge that you wanted to swap license plates, not make license plates.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.