Cars have risen in value substantially over the past decade, and this increased value makes them bigger targets for theft. Grand theft auto is a common crime in Redwood City, California, and the state imposes severe penalties for it. There may also be collateral consequences. If you are facing grand theft auto charges, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
Our criminal defense attorneys at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience. We are seasoned trial lawyers and skilled negotiators. Our attorneys have won over 3,000 cases for our clients, giving them an impressive track record of success.
Contact us today at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a free consultation with our Redwood City grand theft auto lawyers. We are standing by, ready to help.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help You With a Grand Theft Auto Charge in Redwood City, CA
At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our extensive experience handling criminal law matters means we can handle the most complex cases, including grand theft auto charges.
When you hire one of our Redwood City theft crimes lawyers, you can trust we will:
- Investigate the circumstances that led to your criminal charges
- Gather evidence supporting your defense
- Analyze the evidence the state intends to submit at trial
- Aggressively pursue each available defense
- Negotiate a fair plea deal if going to trial would not be in your best interest
- Fiercely advocate for you during all court appearances and at trial
Our lawyers have top ratings with Super Lawyers and Avvo. They also have awards and recognition from organizations like The National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Call one of our Redwood City criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Is Grand Theft Auto in California?
Under California law, grand theft auto involves a number of different elements, which all must be proven in order to get a conviction.
These elements are:
- Taking a car owned by another party
- The car was worth more than $950
- You did not have permission from the owner to take the car
- There was intent to deprive the owner of the car permanently or take the car away long enough that the owner would be significantly deprived of the value and enjoyment of the car
- The car was moved for any distance and kept for any period of time
If you’ve been charged with grand theft auto, it’s important to speak to a criminal defense attorney so they can examine the facts and build a case for you.
What Are the Penalties for Grand Theft Auto in California?
Grand theft auto carries the same penalties as grand theft. It is a wobbler offense. Therefore, you could face a felony or a misdemeanor charge depending on the circumstances of the offense and your criminal history.
Usually, grand theft auto is charged as a felony. Therefore, you can be sentenced to 16 months to three years in jail and/or face potential fines.
There are also enhancements for stealing an expensive vehicle. You are sentenced to an additional and consecutive prison sentence of one additional year if the vehicle was worth more than $65,000 and two years if the car was worth more than $200,000.
What Is Unlawful Taking or Driving of a Vehicle in California?
A prosecutor could charge you with joyriding instead of grand theft auto. Unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle, or “joyriding,” occurs when someone takes a vehicle for a short period, intending to return it to the owner.
The charge is a wobbler, so you could face a misdemeanor or felony offense. Generally, unlawful taking of a vehicle is charged as a misdemeanor. However, the prosecutor could charge you with a felony for joyriding. If so, you could face between 16 months and three years in prison, as well as major fines.
Potential Legal Defenses to Grand Theft Auto
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have one or more defenses.
Potential defenses to grand theft auto include:
- Lack of intent to steal the vehicle
- A claim of right to the vehicle (i.e., you believed the vehicle belonged to you)
- You had the owner’s consent to take the vehicle
- The alleged victim has made false accusations against you
An experienced criminal defense lawyer explores all potential defenses. They help you gather important facts and evidence to support a defense and create reasonable doubt.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Redwood City Grand Theft Auto Attorney
Grand theft auto is a serious criminal charge. Your freedom and future could be on the line. Call Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to discuss your case with a Redwood City grand theft auto lawyer. The initial consultation is free.