Attaching a Tag Not Assigned in Florida

Defending Against Tag Not Assigned Charges in Florida

When someone hears “attaching tag not assigned,” most people don’t think that it refers to a criminal offense. In reality it is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and $500 fine. 

At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we are committed to defending individuals facing criminal traffic offenses, including charges like Attaching Tag Not Assigned. We understand how even seemingly minor charges can have serious legal and personal consequences. We provide a skilled, strategic defense to help you protect your rights, avoid unnecessary penalties, and confidently move forward. If you’ve been charged with attaching a tag not assigned to your vehicle, our legal team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.

Call The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. today at (904) 615-8950 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

Florida Statute Section 320.261

This offense is committed when someone knowingly attaches to a vehicle a license plate or a tag that has not been lawfully assigned by the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles to that particular vehicle. A common example is when someone buys a new car and brings a tag with them and just puts it on the car. When an officer runs the tag, he sees it is not assigned to it, and pulls the person over.

Our Jacksonville criminal defense attorneys have seen this happen multiple times at the fault of the dealership as well. The dealer will say that they will take care of the paperwork and mail the registration in, but nothing happens, and that person than ends up with a criminal traffic ticket for attaching tag not assigned.

What are the Elements of the Crime?

Elements of the crime include:

• The registration license plate or validation sticker was not lawfully issued and assigned to that vehicle; and
• The accused attached a registration license plate or validation sticker to a vehicle; OR
• The accused knew that the plate or sticker was not lawfully issued and assigned to the vehicle.

Understanding the Process

Most people get the ticket and follow the mandatory requirement to schedule it for a hearing. When they see a judge, they enter a plea of no contest, not realizing that they just entered a plea to a criminal offense. The person then just pays the court costs and goes on with their business. The problem is that even if adjudication was withheld (which means no conviction), it is still a criminal plea, which must be disclosed on future job applications. This is why a person accused of this offense should never enter a plea without consulting with an experienced traffic crime attorney in Jacksonville, Florida.

What are Possible Defenses?

Even if the defendant makes a full admission, it may not be enough for the State to prove their case, since the State must be able to establish each element of the crime independent of the confession (this principle is known as corpus delicti). The prosecution must prove either that the defendant himself attached the tag, plate, or sticker at issue, or that the defendant knew the tag, plate, or sticker was not assigned to the vehicle. In the scenario where the dealer is the one attaching the tag, there may be a defense. With no admission, the State must have an independent witness who can testify that the defendant attached the tag or new the tag did not below to that car.

If the prosecutor cannot establish a corpus delicti, then the defendant’s statements become inadmissible in court. The prosecutor would then have to find an independent witness who saw the defendant put on the wrong tag on the car. This rarely, if ever, is the case. Also to the defendant’s advantage, there is usually no documentation recorded when a person attaches a tag.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

We can assist by:

• Case Analysis and Defense Strategy: Every attaching tag not assigned case begins with thoroughly reviewing the facts. Did law enforcement have a valid reason to stop your vehicle? Was the tag improperly registered by mistake or due to misinformation? Were you even aware that the tag was not assigned to your vehicle? We can dig deep into these questions to determine whether the charge can be challenged, reduced, or dismissed entirely.
• Negotiation and Plea Options: In many cases, especially for first-time offenders, resolving the case without a conviction may be possible. We work with prosecutors to seek alternatives, such as pretrial diversion, which can result in your charges being dropped upon completing certain conditions. If the state’s evidence is weak, we may be able to push for dismissal or significantly reduced penalties.
• Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, you need a skilled advocate who can clearly and persuasively present your side. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators comfortable handling criminal trials in both county and circuit courts. We prepare every case thoroughly and stand ready to fight for your rights before a judge or jury.
• Protecting Your Record and Future: A conviction for Attaching Tag Not Assigned may seem minor, but it can have long-term consequences. A criminal record can affect employment opportunities, insurance rates, and even your ability to maintain a driver’s license. Our firm works to protect not only your legal interests but also your future. In appropriate cases, we also assist with sealing or expunging your record once the case is resolved.
• Local Knowledge and Experience: We understand how local courts and prosecutors handle these cases and use that knowledge to our advantage. When you work with us, you get the benefit of focused legal representation tailored to Florida criminal law’s unique aspects.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been cited or arrested for Attaching Tag Not Assigned, you need to speak with an experienced defense attorney immediately. The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. provides aggressive and knowledgeable defense for clients facing vehicle-related criminal charges. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

Get the legal help you need today. Call (904) 615-8950 to schedule a free initial consultation with our Jacksonville  lawyers.