Fort Lauderdale Auto Theft Attorney
Theft Crime Lawyer in Florida
Over 1 million motor vehicles are stolen every year across the nation, and Florida has one of the the highest rate of auto theft crimes. This is due to Florida’s geographical location and heavy tourist environment. In order to be charged with auto theft, the vehicle stolen must exceed $300 in value and the vehicle must be taken without consent, or the owner’s prior knowledge. In addition, there must be no intent to ever return the vehicle. Auto theft is often referred to as grand theft auto and is completely different from a
carjacking crime. This is due to the fact that carjacking involves actually using force or threats against someone in order to steal their vehicle.
Every Fort Lauderdale theft crime attorney at our firm is very quick in fighting to protect the legal rights of individuals accused of auto theft, grand theft auto, auto burglary or carjacking. All four of these charges can be charged as 1
st degree felony offenses and will require the skill of a dedicated theft defense attorney. At the Law Office of Marshall Geisser we have been representing clients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for over 20 years. We have succeeded in many case wins and have given our clients a second chance in life. It is our goal to have charges against our clients lowered or dismissed whenever possible. In the event that we must attend trial we will always negotiate very aggressively to lessen the penalties that you may face.
Florida Grand Theft Auto Lawyer
If you use a vehicle during the commission of a crime to cause damage to property and/or injure or kill another you may face a first degree felony, grand theft auto charge and possibly homicide charges. Auto theft is also considered a third degree felony if a vehicle stolen is used as a getaway car and/or with the intent to deprive another. The only time that auto theft will result in a misdemeanor charge by law officials would be if this is your first offense and the circumstances are minimal. In some instances an experienced lawyer can also negotiate felony charges down to a misdemeanor offense.
If you do not retain the legal representation of a skilled lawyer, you are taking a chance with your future. An auto theft conviction can put you behind bars for a very long time. You may receive a “strike” under the Florida “three strikes law” if convicted of felony auto theft. You may also face steep fines, community service, probation, driver’s license suspension and parole. We fight to make sure that our clients’ legal rights are strongly defended and upheld. Contact us if you have been charged with auto theft and are in need of skilled legal guidance.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale auto theft lawyer at our firm today if you are facing theft crime charges.