RSSAnyone who owns or runs a business knows that there are countless rules and regulations that must be followed. Usually, though, infractions involve fines and other financial penalties rather than criminal charges. However, a recent incident on the 101 Freeway highlighted the fact that business owners or operators may sometimes face criminal charges if they neglect or overlook regulatory requirements.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office has filed charges against the 42-year-old owner of a party bus rental operation; the man stands accused of failing to safely maintain the vehicles used in his business. A year ago, on the Hollywood Freeway, a group of partygoers were riding in one of the man’s Ford F-550 buses, celebrating the birthday of one of the passengers.
Tragically, a 24-year-old man was apparently leaning on a door inside the bus and fell out of the vehicle onto the freeway. The California Highway Patrol noted that the man was hit by several cars after falling out of the bus. The man did not survive the shocking incident.
Specifically, the business owner was charged with failing to maintain a vehicle in safe condition, not complying with an out-of-service order and operating a vehicle that was out of service. In addition, he faces charges of failing to safely maintain a vehicle door and the vehicle’s tires, as well as not keeping records of maintenance and inspections.
The City Attorney’s office has obtained records relating to out-of-service orders for several vehicles in the owner’s fleet. They had purportedly been issued during August and September of last year; the deadly accident happened in September of 2013. Allegedly, the company kept on utilizing certain vehicles despite having previously been ordered to cease their use.
If convicted, the owner could potentially spend over four years in jail. A conviction could also bring forth up to $9,000 in fines for the individual owner and nearly $12,000 in fines for the corporation.
Business owners facing criminal charges could see their ability to make a living put in serious jeopardy. For information on defending against criminal accusations, call Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Jonathan I. Kelman at 310.286.1218.