Miami Car Theft Attorney
Grand Theft Auto is known as a popular video game, but in real life, it’s known as a serious crime. Intentionally taking someone’s vehicle without their permission is always considered a felony crime, regardless of the value of the car.
Car theft is charged as a second- or third-degree felony, which can result in prison time and other penalties. Having such a conviction on your record can affect your life forever.
There are defenses you can use, but you need to act quickly. Get the help you need from a Miami car theft attorney from Asilia Law Firm. We’ll help minimize your charges.
What is Grand Theft in Florida?
The law states that a theft is committed when a person uses property of another with intent to either deprive the other person of right to the property or the benefits of that property or appropriate the property to their own use. It does not matter if it is done temporarily or permanently.
As it pertains to motor vehicles, auto theft is always a felony. Even a short joy ride is generally charged as a felony offense, even if you intend to return the car.
There are various factors that determine how serious the felony is. These include the value of the vehicle and whether the vehicle was used as a weapon to commit other offenses.
Under state law, a vehicle is defined as an automobile, truck, motorcycle, trailer, semitrailer, recreational vehicle, fifth-wheel trailer, private motor coaches, and any other vehicle that is operated on state roads to transport persons or property and is propelled by power other than muscular power. Bicycles, mopeds, swamp buggies, traction engines, road rollers, and vehicles that run only on a track are not considered vehicles under Florida law.
Penalties for Car Theft
Most motor vehicle theft cases in Florida will be prosecuted as third-degree felonies. The penalties for this crime are five years in prison, $5,000 in fines, and driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
However, if the vehicle stolen was valued at between $20,000 and $100,000, or if the vehicle stolen is a law enforcement or emergency vehicle, the charge is filed as a second-degree felony. The punishment is up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
A grand theft auto charge can be elevated to a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Besides grand theft auto, car theft also includes failure to return a rental car, which occurs when a person intentionally keeps a rental vehicle beyond the expiration of the rental period. This is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Carjacking is another crime. This is essentially robbery of a motor vehicle, which means taking a car from another person using force, violence, assault, or threat. This is a first-degree felony, with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Contact Asilia Law Firm Today
Stealing a car is a serious issue. Even if you plan to return the vehicle, you could face felony charges and many years in prison.
A Miami car theft attorney from Asilia Law Firm can defend your case and help you get a fair outcome. Fill out the online form or call (786) 420-3014 to schedule a consultation.