If you face accusations of grand theft auto in Ft. Lauderdale, you could be subject to a felony conviction with severe consequences. Grand theft auto charges are among the most serious in Ft. Lauderdale. However, a trustworthy auto theft Attorney at Leifert & Leifert can establish a viable defense and make a difference in your case outcome.
A felony conviction could affect all aspects of your life, but an experienced Ft. Lauderdale grand theft auto Lawyer can fight to protect your legal rights and defend your charges.
What is Grand Theft Auto?
In Ft. Lauderdale, there is no specific statute covering grand theft auto offenses. Instead, they are charged and prosecuted as theft crimes. However, State theft crimes fall under Florida Statutes § 812.014. Proving grand theft auto in this state typically requires that the Prosecution shows that a Defendant knowingly and unlawfully took another person’s possessions and did so to deprive an owner of their property.
One of the more common types of grand theft auto cases in Ft. Lauderdale arises when a person keeps a rental vehicle for longer than agreed upon. Communicating regularly with any rental agency could help you avoid theft charges. Our dedicated Attorneys in Ft. Lauderdale understand the elements of a grand theft auto charge and the state’s requirements to convict an individual.
Value of the Stolen Vehicle Matters
The penalties for grand theft auto typically depend on the value of the stolen vehicle. For example, if a stolen car has a value of greater than $300, but less than $20,000, a conviction may result in a five-year prison sentence and up to $5,000 in fines. On the other hand, if a stolen vehicle has a value of greater than $20,000, but less than $100,000, a conviction could be punishable by 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
However, if the value of stolen property is greater than $100,000, a suspect may face a 30-year prison sentence and $10,000 in fines. Additional factors could affect the severity of a punishment, including whether an offense was violent and the status of a defendant’s criminal record. A seasoned grand theft auto Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale can determine the potential sentences for a conviction and work to get a Defendant the best outcome.
What are the Defenses of a Grand Theft Auto Charge?
Based on the circumstances, a Defendant may have several defenses available to them. However, a common defense to a vehicle theft charge is that an accused individual believed they had a right to possess the vehicle. Similarly, a viable defense may be that an owner knowingly lent the car to the Defendant.
Unfortunately, entrapment is not usually a defense to grand theft auto under state law, except in rare and complex situations. A skilled Attorney can investigate a case and present a strong defense to vehicle theft charges in Ft. Lauderdale.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Grand Theft Auto Attorney for Assistance
A criminal accusation should never be taken lightly, especially when it involves a felony charge of grand theft auto. A felony conviction could have significant consequences on your life, including your ability to apply for housing and employment.
A knowledgeable Ft. Lauderdale grand theft auto Lawyer can fight against a Prosecution’s case and seek a lower charge or dismissal of charges for the accused. Call Leifert & Leifert to evaluate your grand theft auto charges and the potential legal strategies.
