All acts of theft can lead to serious criminal charges in Glendale. You can end up prosecuted if you are accused of stealing money, property, or motor vehicles. The court system frequently uses grand theft auto charges to prosecute the theft of vehicles.
A grand theft auto conviction can lead to incarceration and high fines. You can get help building a defense if you are accused of stealing a vehicle by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our grand theft auto lawyers in Glendale are here to offer you advice and protection.
The Official Definition of Grand Theft Auto in Glendale
The state of California uses Penal Code Section 487(d)(1) to prosecute grand theft auto. PC 487(d)(1) is a subsection of the legal code used to prosecute grand theft, and many of the penalties for these two charges overlap.
You may be charged with grand theft auto if you are accused of stealing any motor vehicle with the intent to:
- Use It as a Getaway Vehicle
- Keep It for Yourself
- Sell It for Parts
You can get help facing any accusation of grand theft auto by calling a Glendale criminal defense lawyer. Getting legal advice right away can increase the odds that you will beat the charges brought against you.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a Glendale Grand Theft Auto Conviction
Individuals who are convicted of grand theft auto can face a number of very serious penalties. The court system can treat grand theft auto as a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor charges are less serious, but they are also less likely to be used.
Generally, you will face felony charges if you are accused of grand theft auto. Felony convictions can lead to:
- Jail Time: Up to 3 Years
- Fines: Up to $10,000
Note that you may have years added to your jail time if you are convicted of stealing particularly expensive vehicles.
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Grand Theft Auto vs. Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle
The court system in California does not always use grand theft auto charges to prosecute individuals who take motor vehicles. In some cases, a lesser charge for unlawful taking of a vehicle may apply. You may also hear unlawful taking of a vehicle referred to as ‘joyriding.’
Joyriding charges may be used if you do not intend to keep a motor vehicle after you take it. In some cases, the prosecution offers joyriding charges as part of a plea bargain for individuals accused of grand theft auto.
The penalties for a joyriding conviction are generally less severe than what you would face for grand theft auto. You may be sentenced to:
- Jail Time: Up to 1 Year
- Fines: Up to $5,000
You should not accept any plea bargain – including deals involving joyriding charges – without allowing a criminal defense lawyer to assess the deal. Prosecutors can try to get you to agree to deals that are not in your best interests. Protect yourself by allowing the Simmrin Law Group to go over any plea bargain before you accept it.
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Getting the Help You Need with Grand Theft Auto Charges
Dealing with a grand theft auto accusation on your own can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, you can get the help you need by contacting a grand theft auto lawyer right here in Glendale.
The Simmrin Law Group can help you handle:
- Interviews with Police and Prosecutors
- Bail Hearings
- Plea Bargain Agreements
- Your Criminal Trial
We can get to work right away by monitoring the actions of police officers as they investigate your case. Our team can work to block evidence that could be used against you, weakening the prosecution’s case and thereby strengthening your defense.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group have the legal training and expertise you need on your side. We know what it takes to beat prosecutors in Glendale and to win cases for our clients. We may be able to get your case thrown out before you ever go to court.
You can also rely on us to take charge if your case does go before a judge and jury. Let us defend you aggressively from any grand theft auto charges you are facing in Glendale.
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A Glendale Grand Theft Auto Lawyer Can Help You
Individuals who contact a professional legal team right away can increase their odds of beating grand theft auto charges. Make sure you’re ready to face these charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our grand theft auto lawyers in Glendale can offer you a FREE case evaluation now.
Fill out our online contact form, or call (310) 896-2723 to review your legal options.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form