Grand theft auto charges are serious. A conviction for this felony offense will likely send you to prison for years, if not decades. You will also face hefty fines and a criminal record that will negatively impact your ability to get employment or housing, potentially for a lifetime.
Fortunately, there is help. A grand theft auto lawyer in Irving, TX will review the details of your case to determine how to position you for the most favorable outcome possible. The Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg will defend you aggressively if you are facing charges for vehicular theft. It is our goal to protect not only your rights, but your reputation and freedom as well.
Call us today for a free consultation about your case at 214-696-9253.
Grand Theft Auto Penalties in Irving, TX
In Texas, the crime of grand theft auto falls under the general category of theft, which is loosely defined as taking another’s property without their consent. It is a common misconception that grand theft auto only applies to the fairly-dramatic act of breaking into a car under cover of darkness and speeding off into the night. But you can be charged with grand theft auto under circumstances like buying a vehicle with a bad check or forging a title.
The penalties for grand theft auto are as follows:
- Class A misdemeanor: If the value of the vehicle is between $750 and $2,499, you may face up to 1 year in jail, and a fine of up to $4,000.
- State jail felony: If the value of the vehicle is between $2,500 and $29,999, you may face up to 2 years in jail, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: If the value of the vehicle is more than $30,000 but less than $150,000, you may face up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: If the value of the vehicle is between $150,000 and $300,000, you may face up to 20 years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-degree felony: If the value of the vehicle is $300,000 or greater, you may face up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
The vehicle’s value is not the only factor affecting the severity of the charges you face. If any of the aggravating factors below were present, your charges may be elevated:
- The vehicle belonged to an elderly person.
- The vehicle belonged to a nonprofit organization.
- You were a government contractor or public servant at the time of the theft, and the stolen vehicle was under your work-related control.
- The vehicle you stole contained valuable goods.
- You threatened the vehicle owner with bodily harm during the theft.
- You assaulted the vehicle owner during the theft.
- During the theft, you disarmed a fire alarm.
- You have a prior criminal record.
- Your offense caused property damage, injury, or a fatality.
- During the theft, you were in possession of a deadly weapon.
You may also be charged with joyriding, a felony offense, if you use another person’s vehicle without their consent. This is true even if you return the vehicle without having caused any damages.
If convicted of vehicular theft, you will likely also face several other consequences, including probation, community service, counseling, and restitution. And that is not even taking into consideration the significant damage caused by having a criminal record for a felony offense.
How an Irving, TX Grand Theft Auto Lawyer Can Help
A grand theft auto lawyer in Irving, TX from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, will investigate your case, develop defense strategies, and negotiate with the prosecution.
We will ensure that you fully understand your rights and options, and we will remain by your side throughout the entire process. Although an out-of-court negotiation is always the goal, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Possible Defenses Against Grand Theft Auto Charges
In order to get a conviction, the prosecution must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that several factors were present. We will scour your case for weaknesses. Were your constitutional rights violated at any point during the arrest or investigation? If so, key evidence may be invalidated. Were you unaware that the vehicle was stolen? Did you have permission to drive the vehicle, but the owner is now stating otherwise?
A grand theft auto lawyer in Irving, TX will do everything possible to prove that you:
- Did not intend to steal the vehicle
- Did not know the vehicle was stolen
- Had permission to drive the vehicle
Credibility is a key factor in any type of criminal defense case. We will position you in a positive light so that your credibility can shine through. Regardless of what defense strategy we choose, we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and reputation, and to keep you out of jail or prison.
Contact an Irving, TX Grand Theft Auto Attorney Today
If you are facing charges for any type of vehicular theft, it is in your best interest to consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Randall Isenberg and his legal team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg, has extensive experience with vehicular theft charges, including grand theft auto. Call us at 214-696-9253 today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
