Auto Theft

Purposely taking another person’s automobile without permission – regardless of whether the intent was to use it temporarily or to take it permanently – is a felony known as “Grand Theft Auto.”

Fort Lauderdale auto theft defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Richard Ansara work diligently with defendants in auto theft cases to formulate an effective legal strategy.

Auto theft is viewed as a unique type of theft under state law. While most theft-related crimes are ranked in severity based on the value of items stolen, auto theft in Florida is always a felony, even if the vehicle isn’t worth very much.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reports there is one motor vehicle theft every 15 minutes in this state.

Grand theft auto has been glamorized in recent years with a series of video games by the same name. But the potential penalties are hefty, and usually include jail or prison time. An experienced defense lawyer can help plaintiffs pursue a reduction or dismissal of charges prior to trial, or employ a series of effective strategies during trial if the case proceeds to that phase.

Don’t wait to consult a lawyer until after questioning by police. Refuse to answer any questions until you have had the opportunity to speak with a criminal defense attorney.

F.S. 812.014 covers theft-related offenses. The statute states a theft is committed when one uses or endeavors to obtain or to use property of another with intent to either temporarily or permanently:

• Deprive the other person of right to the property or the benefits of that property;
• OR appropriates the property to his or her own use or to the use of any person who isn’t entitled to it.

As it pertains to motor vehicles, there is no such thing as “misdemeanor auto theft.” The crime is always a felony.

Even “joyriding,” which is short-term, temporary use with the intent to return, is generally charged as a felony offense.

But there are a number of factors that determine how serious the felony is, including the value of the vehicle and whether the vehicle was used as a weapon to commit other offenses.

To understand those factors, we have to first explain some of the key terminology of the statute:

Obtains or Uses. The state defines “obtains or uses” in F.S. 812.012 as:

• Taking or exercising control over property;
• Making unauthorized use, disposition or transfer of the property;
• Obtaining property by fraud, willful misrepresentation of a future act or a false promise.

Motor Vehicle. The state defines motor vehicle” in F.S. 316.003 and F.S. 320.01 as:

• An automobile
• Motorcycle
• Truck
• Trailer
• Semitrailer
• Recreational vehicle-type unit
• Private motor coaches
• Fifth-wheel trailer
• Any other vehicle operated on state roads to transport persons or property, propelled by power other than muscular power.

The statute DOES NOT include:

• Traction engines
• Road rollers
• Special mobile equipment (as defined in F.S.316.003(48) )
• Vehicles that run only on a track
• Bicycles
• Swamp buggies
• Mopeds

Most motor vehicle theft cases in Florida will be prosecuted as third-degree felonies. Maximum penalties for this crime are up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 in fines and suspension of one’s driver’s license for up to six months.

However, if the vehicle stolen was valued at more than $20,000 (but less than $100,000), or if the vehicle stolen is a law enforcement or emergency vehicle (even if of a lesser value), the charge is filed as a second-degree felony, which under state law is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

A grand theft auto charge can be increased to a first-degree felony – punishable by up to 30 years in prison – if the vehicle stolen was valued at more than $100,000 OR if there was more than $1,000 damage done to any personal property during the crime.

Similar to grand theft auto (but codified in a different statute) there is the crime of Failure to Return a Rental Car, as explained in F.S. 812.155. If a person intentionally keeps a rental vehicle beyond the expiration of the rental period – without the consent of the owner – commits a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Similarly, if a person takes custody of a vehicle via fraud, deceit or trickery, this too is considered the grand theft auto.

Another similar crime, known as Carjacking, is essentially robbery of a motor vehicle. As explained in F.S. 812.133, carjacking is taking a motor vehicle from the custody of another person with force, violence, assault or threat. It’s a first-degree felony, with a maximum penalty of life in prison (if a deadly weapon is used). Absent the use of a firearm or deadly weapon, it’s also a first-degree felony (but with a lesser offense ranking), punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

The two unique defenses that would be applicable in these cases are:

• Intent
• Consent

With Intent, defense lawyers can argue the individual did take the vehicle, but had intended on returning it to the owner. If the individual had no intention to unlawfully deprive the owner of the vehicle’s use or benefit, defense may be successful.

Similarly, if defendant had Consent to use the vehicle, then there is no crime. But it’s important to note that an owner’s past history of consent to that defendant does not establish consent in every case. The issue is whether defendant had consent to use the vehicle on that particular occasion.