If you get convicted of grand theft auto in Texas, you could spend many years — or potentially the rest of your life — in prison. When you finish serving your sentence, your conviction may continue to haunt you forever. With a felony on your background report, you could find it difficult to maintain gainful employment, rent an apartment, get a loan, or go back to school. A grand theft auto lawyer in Frisco, TX can help you fight the charge and get on with your life.
The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is a Frisco, TX criminal defense firm that aggressively and passionately fights for the rights of the accused. In our eyes, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and our job is to prevent that proof from happening. Randall Isenberg, a former prosecutor and district judge in the Texas court system, leads our firm. His experience on the other side of criminal trials is a significant asset to his clients.
Our firm offers a free initial consultation. To speak with a member of our staff, call 214-696-9253.
The Penalties for Grand Theft Auto in Frisco, TX
The penalties for grand theft auto in Texas vary based on several factors, including the value of the vehicle stolen. Stealing a car valued as low as $750 is a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, potentially carrying jail time and thousands in fines. As soon as the vehicle value exceeds $2,500, the crime becomes a felony.
The maximum penalties for grand theft auto based on vehicle value are:
- Between $750 and $2,499 (Class A Misdemeanor): Up to 1 year in jail, and a fine of up to $4,000.
- Between $2,500 and $29,999 (State Jail Felony): Up to 2 years in jail, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Between $30,000 and $150,000 (Third-Degree Felony): Up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Between $150,000 and $300,000 (Second-Degree Felony): Up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- More than $300,000 (First-Degree Felony): Up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
Several aggravating circumstances may increase the severity of your charges, bumping a misdemeanor up to a possible felony and a felony up to a higher degree. These factors include:
- Stealing a job-related car while working as a government employee or contractor;
- Stealing a vehicle from an older adult or a nonprofit organization;
- Sounding or disarming a fire alarm to aid in the execution of auto theft.
In Texas, grand theft auto encompasses more than breaking into a vehicle and driving it away without the owner knowing. A person who is suspected of obtaining a vehicle by fraudulent means — such as forging a title or purchasing a car using a knowingly bad check — may also face charges of grand theft auto.
No matter the circumstances of your charges, attorney Randall Isenberg and his team can help you beat them. To receive a free consultation with a grand theft auto lawyer in Frisco, TX, call us today at 214-696-9253.
Similar Offenses to Grand Theft Auto in Texas
The Texas Penal Code defines other crimes involving the theft or improper use of a vehicle.
Carjacking
Carjacking refers to stealing a vehicle by violent force. If you have been accused of carjacking, you may face conviction not only for grand theft auto but also for assault or aggravating assault, depending on the circumstances of the incident. You will almost certainly face felony charges.
Joyriding
Joyriding refers to the act of “borrowing” a vehicle without the owner’s permission. It is a state jail felony in Texas, even if you returned or intended to return the vehicle when you were finished with it.
Altering a Vehicle Serial Number
If you alter or tamper with a vehicle serial number in Texas, you face automatic Class A misdemeanor charges. Since this offense usually occurs in conjunction with actual car theft, these charges will get tacked on top of an existing charge of grand theft auto.
We can help you fight criminal charges for any of the above-listed offenses. For a free consultation and case evaluation with the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, call 214-696-9253 today.
How a Grand Theft Auto Lawyer in Frisco, TX Can Help You
Trying to fight a grand theft auto charge in Frisco, TX without a lawyer is a risky undertaking. By not having aggressive representation, you put your freedom and your future at risk. When you trust the professionals at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, you can be confident that a dedicated team, led by an attorney with three decades of experience in the Texas court system, is fighting for your best interests.
When we take your grand theft auto case, we will:
Conduct a Full Investigation
We investigate every aspect of your case and based on the evidence and information we find; we can develop the most effective defense strategy with the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Defend You in Court
Once your case goes to trial, the prosecution has the burden of proving you guilty. Our job is to create reasonable doubt that prevents the other side from making their case. Having worked as one for years, Randall Isenberg knows where to find weak spots in a prosecutor’s case.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
If the case against you is strong, it might be in your best interests to cut a deal with the prosecution to plead down to a lesser charge. By getting you a plea deal, we can often keep your sentence to a minimum.
Call 214-696-9253 for a Free Grand Theft Auto Case Evaluation in Frisco, TX
The grand theft auto lawyers in Frisco, TX at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is ready to get to work for you today. For a free case evaluation, call our office at 214-696-9253.
