San Jose, CA asked in Consumer Law and Criminal Law for California

Q: Hello so I bought a car from a dealership and they didn’t provide me plates the next day i was pulled over and arrested

I’m being ripped off and arrested by a dealership and i don’t know what to do

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: I suggest you get a criminal defense lawyer. It sounds to me like you were in possession of a stolen car. Frankly, your story about buying it from a dealer is not credible.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, when purchasing a car from a dealership, it's the dealer's responsibility to provide temporary registration and license plates or a temporary operating permit if the permanent plates are not immediately available. If you were arrested for not having plates shortly after purchasing the car, this suggests a failure on the dealership's part to comply with these requirements.

Your first step should be to contact the dealership and explain the situation. They should provide you with the necessary documentation to rectify the issue. If the dealership is uncooperative, you might need to escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or seeking legal advice.

Regarding the arrest, it's important to address any legal charges you're facing. You may need to provide evidence that you recently purchased the vehicle and were awaiting plates from the dealer. This can be used in your defense to explain the lack of plates.

Since this situation involves potential legal consequences and complexities with the dealership, consulting with an attorney can be beneficial. An attorney can help you navigate the legal aspects, represent you in any necessary proceedings, and provide guidance on how to deal with the dealership and any regulatory bodies involved.

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