Penalties for Stealing Automobiles
Grand theft auto is the crime of stealing or taking an automobile without consent from the owner. When an offender uses violence, force or a weapon to steal a car, it is considered carjacking, which is both a violent crime and a felony crime. As grand theft auto is a form of theft, the charges for this crime will depend on the value of the stolen car.
The degrees of grand theft auto are determined by the value of the vehicle, such as:
- First Degree: $100,000 or more
- Second Degree: Between $20,000 and $100,000
- Third Degree: Between $300 and $20,000
While the extent of the penalties will depend largely on the degree of grand theft charges you are facing, the penalties are always life-altering.
Typically, a conviction will include the following types of penalties:
- Incarceration in a state prison
- Probation or parole
- No less than $5,000 in fines
- Community service hours
With a criminal record, your livelihood will also be affected. You may find it more difficult to get a job or secure housing.
Get Thomas & Paulk on Your Side
Following an arrest for grand theft auto, make sure you protect your rights and interests by hiring an experienced attorney. Having worked as prosecutors before turning our attention to defense, we have a great deal of courtroom experience, as well as a solid understanding of how the Florida criminal system operates. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that we will personally attend to your case, giving you the aggressive legal representation you deserve. Don't put your future or your freedom on the line–contact our firm.
