Taking another person’s vehicle without their permission, commonly referred to as joyriding, is a serious criminal offense in the state of Florida. If you or a loved one is arrested for joyriding, you could be charged with felony grand theft. An Orlando joyriding lawyer can be an unwavering legal advocate who serves as the buffer between you and the judicial system throughout your case.
An auto theft attorney can assess the facts of your case, evaluate the evidence against you, and construct a defense strategy accordingly. We can provide advice on the best way to approach your case and represent you both in and out of the courtroom.
If someone goes joyriding, they could face numerous types of charges related to taking someone else’s vehicle without the legal authority to do so. One such charge is grand theft auto.
The crime of grand theft auto occurs when one person takes a vehicle from another person intending to deny the owner of the vehicle’s use. A person can also be charged with grand theft auto if they steal someone else’s vehicle to be used for personal gain, to provide for someone else to use, or so they can receive a financial benefit.
Joyriding can sometimes lead to other serious charges such as carjacking or burglary of a conveyance. A person can be charged with carjacking (even if they just intended to go for a joyride) if they use force, assault, threats, or violence to steal a vehicle from someone else.
Burglary of a conveyance refers to entering a structure classified as a conveyance without the owner’s permission. A conveyance includes multiple types of vehicles, including cars. If the alleged offender was armed or there was a person inside the vehicle at the time, this can aggravate the underlying charge and lead to harsher penalties in the event of a conviction.
Florida law does not treat joyriding lightly. If you have been arrested or charged for joyriding, you need to consult with an Orlando attorney as soon as possible. A criminal lawyer can help from the earliest stages of your case, even if you have been questioned or informed that you are being investigated but not yet charged.
An Orlando attorney can explain the details of your joyriding charge and ensure you understand all proceedings involved. If you are charged with grand theft for joyriding, the offense can range from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony depending on how much the car was worth.
For example, if the car was valued at more than a $100,000, the grand theft offense is a first-degree felony. A conviction could mean that you spend up to 30 years in jail, in addition to being slapped with heavy financial penalties. On the lower end of the penalty scale, a third-degree felony can still see you spend up to five years incarcerated, in addition to fines.
Joyriding charged as burglary of a conveyance is generally a third-degree felony. However, this offense can be elevated to a second-degree felony if someone was inside the car at the time of the alleged crime, which carries a prison term of up to 15 years in addition to other steep penalties.
A person who stands accused of burglary of a conveyance for joyriding could be charged with a first-degree felony if they used a weapon, assault, or battery to carry out the offense. Carjacking can also lead to first-degree felony charges.
Joyriding may seem like it would be a relatively minor offense, but the reality is that any crime involving theft of a motor vehicle in Florida is prosecuted extremely harshly.
If you have been charged with joyriding, you need an attorney who can protect your Constitutional rights and present compelling arguments in your favor. An Orlando joyriding lawyer can help you understand the potential consequences of your charge and all available legal options.
Your case must receive the personalized attention it deserves while we fight to protect your future. If you need help defending a joyriding charge, The Umansky Law Firm, can provide the best chance of a favorable outcome. Connect with us now for a free legal consultation.
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