Grand Theft Auto Defense Attorneys in St. Petersburg
Let Our Former Prosecutor Fight on Your Behalf
If you have been charged with grand theft auto, you need skilled legal defense as soon as possible. At Plotnick Law, our St. Petersburg grand theft auto attorneys are equipped to guide you through your case and fight on your behalf. With more than 24 years of collective experience, our lawyers know how to aggressively defend your rights throughout case proceedings and make sure that you are not taken advantage of by overzealous prosecutors.
To learn more about how we may be able to help you, call (727) 295-3558. We answer our phones 24/7 so that we can provide help to you when you need it most.
Punishment for Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle in Florida
According to Florida Stat. Ann. §812.014, stealing a car is considered a felony, even if it was stolen temporarily. Although typically car theft is considered a third-degree felony, certain factors can increase the degree of the felony.
The following will increase the degree of the felony:
- Stealing a vehicle worth above $20,000 or up to $100,000 (second-degree felony)
- Stealing a law enforcement or emergency vehicle (second-degree felony)
- Stealing a vehicle worth $100,000 or more (first-degree felony)
- Causing damage of $1,000 or more to personal property during the crime (first-degree felony)
- Stealing a vehicle via carjacking (first-degree felony)
All of these charges carry serious penalties such as fines and significant prison time. It’s important to get the legal help you need as soon as possible to fight these accusations.
Defenses to Grand Theft Charges
There are several defenses that might be applied to your situation.
Some defenses our firm may employ can include:
- Equal ownership: A defense that states you were the co-owner of the property
- Good faith possession: A defense that states you had no intention to steal but believed you had the right to the property in question
- Valueless property: A defense that states you did not steal because the property is considered trash or something that has no value
- Voluntary abandonment: A defense that states you completely and voluntarily withdrew from the attempted grand theft
Plotnick Law Is Available 24/7 to Take Your Calls
One of our St. Petersburg grand theft motor vehicle attorneys served as a former state prosecutor and has unique insight into how your opponents will likely handle your case. This gives our firm an advantage in crafting a defense that can anticipate the prosecution’s actions.
Get started on your case today by contacting Plotnick Law.