Aircrafts and Motor Vehicles

Federal Defense Lawyer Explains Crimes Involving Airports and Vehicles

Federal laws in the United States prohibit certain types of unlawful conduct. 18 U.S. Code contains different chapters that define different kinds of criminal offenses that have been made illegal and that can result in prosecution in federal courts.

Chapter 2 of 18 U.S. Code contains information on criminal conduct related to aircrafts and motor vehicles.

Because the stakes are very high when it comes to interference with the operation of aircrafts or motor vehicles, the penalties for violating any of the federal laws found within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 are very serious.

If you have been accused of an offense made illegal within this part of the U.S. code, you need to be represented by a federal criminal defense attorney who understands the law and who can help you to develop the right defenses to reduce the chances of conviction or limit the penalties that you face.

LV Criminal Defense provides representation to clients in Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona and surrounding states who are accused of federal offenses including crimes related to airports and motor vehicles.

You should give our legal team a call as soon as you have been accused of an offense so we can provide the representation and support you need to fight for your future.

Federal Laws on Aircrafts and Motor Vehicles

Within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2, there are 11 different sections that set forth various violations of the law and that impose penalties for criminal conduct.

• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 31 defines the words that are found within the rest of Chapter 2. The words defined include aircraft, aviation quality, destructive substance, in flight, in service, motor vehicle, part, space vehicle, state, and used for commercial purposes. The statute also makes clear which definitions apply to other words such as aircraft engine and landing area, which are defined within multiple different federal laws.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 32 explains the offense of willful destruction of an aircraft. Anyone who sets fire to, damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks civilian aircrafts can be charged with an offense under this statute. Placing destructive devices, or causing destructive devices to be placed, on aircrafts can also result in charges.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 33 prohibits placing explosive devices or other destructive devices in motor vehicles for purposes of endangering the safety of their operators. Tampering with vehicles for purposes of harming those who are operating them is also made illegal under this chapter.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 34 establishes penalties in circumstances where death results from tampering with aircrafts or with motor vehicles. If defendants are convicted of tampering with a vehicle or plane and death results due to the tampering, the defendant could face the death penalty or life imprisonment under the terms of this statute.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 35 prohibits making false statements or providing false information in connection with any of the offenses related to aircrafts and motor vehicles that are found within Chapter 2 of the U.S. Code. Depending upon what the false information relates to, the penalty could be a $1,000 fine or could be imprisonment for up to five years as well as a fine.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 36 defines the offense of drive-by shooting and imposes harsh penalties for anyone involved in a drive by shooting in connection with major drug offenses or related crimes.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 37 addresses violence at international airports. Performing an act of violence at an airport or destroying facilities at an airport can result in harsh penalties, up to life imprisonment if safety is endangered by the actions of the defendant.
• 18 U.S. Code Chapter 2 section 38 defines the offense of fraud in connection with aircrafts, aircraft parts, or space vehicle parts. Making false statements or concealing material facts in connection with aircrafts, space vehicles, or their parts can result in large fines and lengthy periods of imprisonment. If death results, for example, the fine could be up to $1,000,000 and a defendant could be imprisoned for life.
• 18 U.S. Code section 39 makes it a crime to sell traffic signal preemption transmitters or to use such preemption transmitters. Penalties for sale could include fines and up to a year imprisonment and penalties for use could also include fines and a maximum of six months of prison time.
• 18 U.S. Code section 39A makes it illegal to aim a laser pointer at an aircraft. Unless a defendant falls within a limited exception, such as people doing research or using laser pointers to sent emergency distress signals, a defendant could face penalties including fines and up to five years of imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 40 requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles to comply with inspection requirements. Failure to comply and leaving an inspection site without authorization could result in up to one year of imprisonment.

Defendants who are accused of any of these offenses need to understand the specific elements of the crime that a prosecutor must prove and the potential penalties they could face so they can make informed choices regarding how to defend against charges.

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