The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group can build your defense if you are accused of grand theft auto in Santa Clarita, CA. It’s important that you get help quickly after an arrest for grand theft auto. A conviction could result in:
- Fines
- Jail time
Get the assistance you need by contacting our grand theft auto lawyers in Santa Clarita today. Begin building your defense right now by calling us at (310) 896-2723.
Basic Facts About Grand Theft Auto in Santa Clarita
The most basic definition used for grand theft auto in California states that you can face this charge if you intentionally take a car belonging to someone else. The law does not differentiate based on the method used to take the car. You could be charged with grand theft auto if you:
- Find an unlocked car with the keys in the ignition and drive it away
- Take a car’s keys from the vehicle’s owner and drive away
- Break into a car, hotwire it, and drive away
All of these actions could result in criminal charges under California Penal Code Section 487(d)(1). PC 487(d)(1) represents California’s grand theft auto law. The court can treat PC 487(d)(1) as either a misdemeanor or a felony based upon:
- Your previous criminal history
- The facts regarding your current case
A theft crimes lawyer in Santa Clarita can help you handle either misdemeanors or felony charges.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Outcomes of a Santa Clarita Grand Theft Auto Conviction
The results of a conviction for grand theft auto in Santa Clarita can vary depending upon whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. Individuals charged with a misdemeanor for grand theft auto can face:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- Incarceration of up to one year
Felony grand theft auto convictions often lead to:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Incarceration of up to three years
Additionally, you can face increased time behind bars if you are accused of stealing very expensive vehicles. You can face one additional year if for the theft of a vehicle worth more than $65,000. The theft of a vehicle worth more than $200,000 can add two years to your sentence.
Make sure you’re ready to handle charges for grand theft auto before you are convicted by calling the Simmrin Law Group at (310) 896-2723.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Compare Grand Theft Auto and Joyriding in Santa Clarita
Grand theft auto is only one of the charges used to prosecute the theft of a vehicle in Santa Clarita. You could also face criminal charges under Vehicle Code Section 10851: Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle. VC 10851 is also sometimes called “joyriding.”
Both grand theft auto and joyriding refer to the act of taking another person’s vehicle unlawfully and without their permission. Intent differentiates these two charges. For example, drivers may be charged with:
- Grand theft auto if they steal a vehicle and intend to keep it
- Joyriding if they steal a vehicle and intend to return it
Joyriding may also be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony in California, with penalties very similar to those used for grand theft auto. However, you are more likely to be charged with a misdemeanor if you are accused of joyriding in Santa Clarita.
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Your Options for a Grand Theft Auto Defense in Santa Clarita
You don’t have to just accept charges for grand theft auto in Santa Clarita. You can get professional help constructing your defense by reaching out to a theft crimes lawyer today. The team at the Simmrin Law Group may be able to show that:
- You were falsely accused of stealing a motor vehicle
- You took a vehicle after getting permission
- You took a vehicle during an emergency
We may also be able to block evidence against you if you were subjected to police misconduct during your case. Let us know if your rights were violated by law enforcement officers or prosecutors, so we can help you right away.
Allow us to investigate the specific facts of your case. We can take steps to get your charges reduced or dismissed so you can move forward with your life.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact a Santa Clarita Grand Theft Auto Lawyer Today
You can take proactive steps to build a defense to grand theft auto charges with the Simmrin Law Group. Contact our professional grand theft auto lawyers in Santa Clarita right now to review all of your legal options with a FREE initial case evaluation.
Start getting legal help in your corner by completing our online contact form or calling
(310) 896-2723.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form