Operating an auto repair SMOG shop in Southern California is an important job! It has its hassles (customers, looking at you – BAR, looking at you)… But it has its successes. You got to work each day as a SMOG tech or an auto repair shop owner, knowing you are helping to keep California air clean, and cars in good working order. However, juggling customers, the Bureau, your personal life, and the complexities of modern automobiles can be very busy and time consuming. Running a SMOG shop station in California includes customers, scheduling jobs, making sure vehicles meet emission standards, running things smoothly, and making money.
What happens, however, if you receive a “violation” notice from the watchdog agency, the Bureau of Automotive Repair? A BAR attorney can do the following things for you!
- Review of citations, allegations, and notices of suspension
- Communicate directly with BAR investigators
- Compile and organize evidence in your favor
- Attend meetings and administrative hearings on your behalf
- Work to minimize or eliminate the fines
- Safeguard your STAR certification and testing eligibility
The BAR regulates the smog check, inspection, and repair of all registered vehicles throughout the Golden State. If you receive a notice, it may be something relatively insignificant. Or it may be a catastrophic threat to your license. It might just include paperwork oversight, a customer misinterpretation of the rules, or a challenged inspection. It might result in an action or investigation. Some auto repair shop owners get asked for documents. Others encounter sting operations, actual charges, or even loss of their testing privileges.
A BAR action can disrupt your practice, may cause loss of your license, and endanger your name. Either way trying to tough it out on your own while managing a high demand shop can add more stress.
This is why seeking an experienced BAR defense attorney can help you deal with the stress of a BAR investigation of your SMOG shop, including “criminal” investigations. An attorney is well versed in the rules. A lawyer knows how BAR investigators work so they have no trouble telling you what must be done.
Look for an SMOG shop attorney who:
- Focus specifically on BAR defense
- Understands SMOG station regulations
- Familiar with STAR suspension, citations, and BAR accusations.
- Offers clear, straightforward guidance
- A brief consultation can help to clarify if they’re a good fit
- Protect Your Shop’s Future
With proper legal representation, you can save your license, your business and your future. Contemplate hiring a lawyer. An attorney will advocate for you and make sure that a notice isn’t putting your entire business at risk.