Bandit Cab, Misdemeanor, LAMC 71.02(a), LAMC 71.03(d), Bauchet Courthouse

Permitted Taxi Cabs in the City of Los Angeles

There are only 9 taxicab companies that are permitted by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Transportation to pick up passengers. These companies are the following, Bell Cab, Beverly Hills Cab, Checker Cab, City Cab, Independent Taxi, United Checker Cab Company, United Independent Taxi Unities Taxi of San Fernando Valley, and Yellow Cab. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation vigorously arrests all other individuals and "bandit cabs" who attempt to pick up passengers in the City of Los Angeles without valid permits.

LAMC 71.02(a) and 71.03(d) – Los Angeles Department of Transportation Bandit Cab Enforcement

Los Angeles Municipal Code Section ("LAMC") 71.03(d) states that (d) "No person shall drive or operate any other type of vehicle defined in Section 71.00 without first having obtained a driver permit from the Board." LAMC 71.02(a) also states the following: "(a) No person or corporation shall drive, operate or use, whether as owner, lessor, lessee or otherwise, any of the vehicles defined in Section 71.00 to pick up or attempt to pick up passengers within the limits of the City of Los Angeles, or allow or permit to be operated, driven, or used, whether as owner, lessor, lessee, or otherwise, any of the vehicles defined in Section 71.00 to pick up or attempt to pick up passengers within the limits of the City of Los Angeles unless a written vehicle permit for the operation of such specifically defined vehicles has been obtained from the Board; provided, however, that no vehicle permit shall be required for the operation of any vehicle under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a franchise granted by the City of Los Angeles." Sting operations are routinely conducted and over a hundred arrests are made each month. The Department of Transportation usually conducts these sting operations in two fashions: 1. Respond to Craigslist advertisements under ride sharing postings and/or 2. pose as a prospective passenger while waiting to get the attention of a non-licensed taxi cab.

Defenses to Dismissing Misdemeanor Charges for Bandit Cab Charges - LAMC 71.03(d) & LAMC 71.02(a)

There are several defenses in attempting to dismiss the misdemeanor charges for LAMC 71.03(d) and LAMC 71.02(a), commonly known as illegal vehicle for hire and bandit cab. Some of the most common defenses are reimbursement for gas, wait and return, continuous trip, rendering aid or assistance, or entrapment. If you have been arrested for operating as a bandit cab in the City of Los Angeles, you may be facing thousands of dollars in impound and court fees as well as having a misdemeanor on your record if you plea guilty. Our firm has routinely handles these types of cases and has the experience and reputation to put forth a solid defense and reduce, reject, or dismiss the case.

Misdemeanor Case - Central Arraignment Court

Generally, the Defendant will have his car towed and will be issued a citation to appear at Central Arraignment Court located at 429 Bauchet Street, Los Angles, CA 90012. At our firm, we will assist you in retrieving your car from impound to avoid additional fees as well as handle the criminal case at Central Arraignment Court. If you have been arrested for violating LAMC 71.02(a) and 71.03(d) and/or have had your vehicle impounded for driving as a "bandit cab," call Attorney Arthur Khachatourians for a free criminal defense consultation.