What There is to Know About Auto Theft Charges

When people think about auto theft, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a car being stolen from a parking lot or street. However, auto theft can also refer to stealing parts or accessories from a vehicle, such as rims, tires, or sound systems. In some cases, auto theft may even involve taking a car for a test drive without the owner’s permission.

There are a few different types of auto theft charges that can be brought against someone accused of this crime. The criminal attorneys in Los Angeles can defend all of them if required.

Let’s learn more about them below. 

Grand Theft Auto

Grand theft auto is defined as taking a vehicle worth more than $950 without the owner’s consent. Grand theft auto is a felony in most states and carries a prison sentence of up to three years.

To convict someone of auto theft, prosecutors must usually prove that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. This can be done with evidence such as surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony. In some cases, auto theft charges may be dropped if the defendant can show that they had permission to use the vehicle.

Joyriding

Another kind of auto crime is joyriding. This is when an individual takes a car for a short period of time without obtaining the owner’s permission beforehand. 

It can be a worrying time for the person who thinks that their vehicle has been stolen permanently and might never be recovered. Also, the vehicle is not always returned in the condition it was stolen in and can be left damaged somewhere and never seen again. Even if a car is recovered in reasonable condition, due to the likely speeds a vehicle has been driven at, it may have been damaged in some way or another.

Joyriding is usually considered a misdemeanor offense and punishable by a fine or brief jail sentence.

Stealing Car Parts

Stealing car parts is a serious crime that can lead to jail time. Car parts are expensive and stealing them can hurt businesses and the economy. Car thieves often steal car parts to sell them on the black market. This can be dangerous and illegal.

Police typically have a very easy time identifying someone who has stolen car parts, as the evidence is usually right there at the scene of the crime. However, if you are caught with stolen car parts in your possession, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you build a defense and avoid a conviction.

Auto theft charges of this kind can result in heavy fines and, if necessary, jail time.

Test Driving a Car Without Permission

In some cases, people may take a car for a test drive without the owner’s permission. This is usually considered auto theft, as the person does not have the right to take the car without the owner’s consent.

Taking a car for a test drive without permission is a serious offense and can lead to auto theft charges. If you are caught test driving a car without permission, you could face jail time and considerable fines.

When it comes to auto theft charges, there are a few different types of crimes that can be prosecuted, as this article has stated. The most common type of auto theft charge is when someone takes a car without the owner’s permission. This is also called stealing or carjacking. Another type of auto theft charge is receiving stolen property. This happens when someone buys or receives a car that they know was stolen. 

Regardless of the type of auto theft crime you are accused of, it is important to have a good defense and so hiring a criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable in this area of the law will be in your best interest.