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I altered a parking permit, was fined $320 and on ticket says "constitutes theft persuant to penal code 484"
What will happen?
Anonymous9 views3 answers
I was visiting UCSD and it requires a parking permit, and I had found one from a previous date and foolishly tried to alter it to match current date and was caught. The ticket includes a fine of $320 which I must pay in 21 days, and on ticket it says I must immediately surender the altered permit to the parking adjudication office and that the use of the altered permit "constitutes a theft persuant to penal code 484". What exactly will happen to me? I am a first time offender of anything, clean record, just made a really bad mistake for the first time. I can't use anything on my record being a college student looking for work. Any possibility of getting off with just the fine? And any advice on what to do? Thank you.
Timothy Edward CampenCriminal Defense AttorneySan Diego, CA ·
Because UCSD is a public university, enforcement of the fine is likely a government action. This is important for a few reasons. If you pay the fine, I don't think the government can legal go after you for theft. Double jeopardy would likely kick in, and you're done. (I'm not sure PC484 is the right code section anyway, but there are other misdemeanors that could apply.) And under no circumstances are you required to, nor should you, hand over the altered pass. Asking you to turn it over is tantamount to asking you to make a self incriminating statement. If they want it, let them get a warrant - which they'd never bother doing. Just pay the fine and go in with you life.
From what you have said they do not intend to prosecute you for theft unless you refuse to turn in the parking permit. In other words UCSD regards it as their property which they allow you to use under certain terms and conditions. If you are concerned that the alterations you made might make you subject to criminal charges I would contact the office and report it lost. In any event I doubt they will waste their time calling the police on a matter like this.
