While I want the guy to be punished, CA VC 42002.5 sounds kinda sketchy. I'd be 100% for applying it here if the guy singled you out for having a handicap placard, but if he was randomly being a jerk and you were just unlucky then the possibility of a year in jail seems excessive. He probably won't end up in jail, like you said, but it's possible I suppose. This guy should just get a fine ($1000 or so), have to pay you back for your car, and 20 hours community service or something. I'd personally feel badly if some guy ended up in jail for something like this, even if he's a jerk.