Auto theft is a serious criminal offense in the state of Florida. A conviction could mean that you spend years behind bars, have to pay hefty financial penalties, and contend with other serious legal consequences.
An Orlando auto theft lawyer can help you seek the most favorable resolution to your case while tirelessly defending your legal rights. A competent theft defense attorney can build a strategic defense that is tailored to the facts and circumstances of your charge. If you have been arrested or charged related to auto theft, we provide legal advice and fight for a resolution that preserves your freedom.
There are numerous types of theft charges that you can face in Florida, depending on the value of the goods allegedly stolen. In the case of auto theft, it is an offense that is commonly charged as grand theft. This is because the value of the stolen goods required to be charged with grand theft starts at only $750.
You can be charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle for knowingly and unlawfully obtaining or using another person’s vehicle. In order for an auto theft charge to stand, the prosecution also has to prove that you intended to deprive the rightful owner of the vehicle either temporarily or permanently.
Auto theft can be a first, second, or third-degree felony depending on the value of the vehicle allegedly stolen. If the motor vehicle was valued at less than $20,000, the crime is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and financial penalties of up to $5,000.
If the motor vehicle was valued between $20,000 and $100,000, it is a second-degree felony that can carry a prison term of up to 15 years in addition to financial penalties upwards of $10,000. You can be charged with a first-degree felony if the alleged auto theft involved a vehicle valued above $100,000.
A first-degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and can also carry financial penalties of up to $10,000. Carjacking, or carjacking with a deadly weapon, are also first-degree felonies in Orlando.
These are all extremely grave offenses, which is why you need a skilled criminal attorney to help you fight any auto theft charge. In addition to fines and jail time, it is possible for restitution, probation, and other long-term legal ramifications to accompany an auto theft conviction.
Multiple defenses may be available based on the details of your auto theft charge. An Orlando attorney with experience in auto theft charges can work to protect you from the harsh legal consequences of serious criminal penalties while advising you of all possible outcomes.
Innocence, wrongful accusation, lack of intent, or the consent of the owner can be possible defenses to auto theft. Joint ownership of the vehicle, or a situation where you were acting under necessity or duress, could also be used to get a charge dismissed.
If you were simply at the scene of the alleged auto theft but did not participate in it, this fact could be used to fight back against the charge. In some situations, where the accused decided to stop the theft before completing the act, this element may mitigate the underlying charge.
In other situations, procedural issues may be used to defend against an auto theft charge. Constitutional violations, Miranda rights violations, errors during the legal process, or other similar problems that trace back to the prosecution or law enforcement’s actions may be used to get an auto theft charged reduced or even completely dismissed.
A knowledgeable Orlando auto theft lawyer will perform an in-depth investigation necessary to gather facts and evidence to build a compelling defense. We can then identify flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Whether negotiating a plea bargain or working to secure a full dismissal of your charge, we know how to navigate the legal system and give you access to resources that can maximize the potency of your defense.
If you or someone you know is in this difficult situation, you should not wait to secure qualified legal representation. Contact our office today to schedule your one-on-one legal consultation with a trusted legal representative.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
