If you think taking a vehicle for a spin without permission sounds like a harmless and fun afternoon, think again. Using someone else’s vehicle without their permission, even if it’s someone you know, is punishable by law. In Florida, the act is extremely serious since there’s no differentiation between taking a vehicle out for a late afternoon drive and grand theft auto.
If you’ve found yourself in a situation where you’re facing criminal charges for using a vehicle without the owner’s permission in Orlando, you need a knowledgeable and aggressive traffic violation attorney on your side. At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand the implications of criminal charges for unlawful use of a vehicle and grand theft auto and will work tirelessly to build a viable defense strategy for your case.
You should always ask permission before you borrow another person’s vehicle. In Florida, theft is defined as taking someone’s property either permanently or temporarily without their permission. Theft can occur when borrowing your neighbor’s car without permission to run to the store because your car is out of service. These cases typically become more severe if a person takes a vehicle with the intent of using it for personal gain or to deprive the owner of their rights.
If you’ve been charged with theft, you need a lawyer on your side who understands the legal system. The attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm can help you gather evidence to support your case and prove that you did not intend to put the other person in a bad position by taking their vehicle.
One of the most interesting facts about Florida law is that there are no specific auto theft statutes. Instead, the severity of auto theft charges is determined by the value of the property stolen. According to Florida law, theft of property worth more than $750 is considered grand theft auto. Therefore, most vehicle theft cases are grand theft auto cases.
The multiple degrees of grand theft auto are as follows:
The penalties for any grand theft case are severe and require a professional attorney to defend you. At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand the importance of mitigating the charges you face so you can return to your normal life as soon as possible and will do everything we can to make that happen.
The severity of the penalties for grand theft auto correlates with the degree of the charges. A person convicted of third-degree grand theft auto faces up to five years incarceration and a $500 fine. Individuals convicted of second-degree grand theft auto can be sentenced to up to 15 years incarceration and $10,000 in fines. The most severe cases are first-degree grand theft auto which is considered a first-degree felony in Florida. Convictions for a first-degree felony could mean a mandatory 21 months in prison, although sentences can be as strict as 30 years.
If you’re facing grand theft auto charges, it’s important to know that your situation isn’t hopeless. With the right legal team, you can be on your way back to life as you knew it before your charges.
The best defense strategies are based on the circumstances surrounding a case. At The Umansky Law Firm, we take the time to sit down and get to know each of our clients and their circumstances before we develop a strategy. The most viable defense strategies for grand theft auto cases include:
A good attorney will work hard to have your grand theft charges dismissed by building a strategy that fits your case.
In Orlando, The Umansky Law Firm is a trusted source of legal representation for criminal defense cases, including driving a vehicle without authorization. Our team has more than 100 years of combined experience winning cases for people just like you across the state of Florida. We stand firm in our belief that no life should be defined by a single mistake and work hard to give you a second chance.
The Umansky Law Firm is recognized among Florida’s Legal Elite and is highly rated on Avvo.com by peers and clients. To schedule your free consultation call or contact us online today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
