Recently a Riverside man, Brandon Joseph Vielkind was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer. According to ABC 7 news, Vielkind was hoping to use his status as a “police officer” to get a free haircut. He walked into the business while wearing “a tactical vest, hat and badge” and then asked for his free haircut. Then he changed his story and said he was there to conduct an investigation. When he became erratic, the shop called the police and Vielkind was arrested. Police also found airsoft guns made to look realistic and police patches in his car.

While Vielkind is currently out of custody on a $50,000 bail, he will likely face legal consequences for his actions. Under California law, impersonating a police officer is a serious crime. California Penal Code section 538d(a) which covers False Personation and Cheats states that Anyone, other than those that have legal authority, who “willfully wears, exhibits, or uses the authorized uniform…of a peace officer, with the intent of fraudulently impersonating an officer” or making another person believe they are an officer, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Consequences of a conviction of this crime include:

• up to one year in county jail
• and/or a fine of up to $2,000.

Dressing up and pretending to be a cop can lead to a criminal conviction that has devastating and long-lasting consequences that can later interfere with many aspects of your personal life. If you have been arrested for this type of crime it is important to speak to an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney. Under the elements of this crime, the prosecution is required to prove you had the intent to fraudulently impersonate or make another person believe you are a cop—If you did not have that intent there may be available defenses to this crime. 

Southern California Criminal Defense Legal Help

At the Kann California Defense Group, we are here to help with any criminal charges you may be currently facing. If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in the Los Angeles, Riverside, or Ventura County areas, they should speak to one of our experienced California criminal defense attorneys. Give us a call at (888) 744-7730 or contact us through our website to schedule a case consultation today!