Since 1971, a former Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice State of California, Sam Spital prosecuted cases in all State and Federal Courts through the California Supreme Court as well as the US Supreme Court. Since 1978, he has handled the defense of grand theft crimes throughout San Diego County.

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Grand theft auto is a serious charge that is a felony in many situations, leaving defendants facing aggressive sentencing from prosecutors who seek to make an example out of them in order to prevent similar behavior from others. To protect your rights after an arrest for grand theft auto, you should obtain help from the experienced San Diego grand theft auto defense lawyers at Spital & Associates.

Contact a San Diego Grand Theft Auto Defense Attorney

You have the right to remain silent if you are facing grand theft auto charges in San Diego. We recommend that you exercise that right and speak to our San Diego grand theft auto lawyers first. Our founder has more than 39 years of experience, including experience as a criminal prosecutor, and understands the ins and outs of what may often be complex cases. Call 619-583-0350 for a free consultation.

Grand Theft Auto Charges in San Diego

Grand theft auto is the taking, stealing or driving of someone’s car, accompanied with the intent to deprive them of it. Intent is a key element in these cases as is the requirement that the allegedly stolen vehicle must be $400 or more in value. Grand theft auto can also be charged for joyriding, whether the prosecutor files the case as a felony under the criminal code or a misdemeanor under the vehicle code, the penalties are severe; even a misdemeanor conviction could result in up to one year in county jail and three years’ probation along with restitution, fines, community service, driver’s license suspension and a criminal record.

It is noteworthy that stealing a car of any value can be charged as San Diego grand theft auto. If an individual enters a business or store with the intent to commit a theft of any kind inside, the prosecutor will likely also charge the defendant with San Diego burglary (Penal Code 459). If a defendant uses force or threats of intimidation or harm to acquire property from someone else, this is San Diego robbery pursuant to Penal Code 211.

Grand Theft Auto and California’s Three Strikes Law

Defendants facing San Diego grand theft auto charges are subject to the three strikes law in California. The penalties for each arrest become more harsh with each “strike.” That is another reason why it is so important to obtain an experienced San Diego Grand Theft Auto Defense Lawyer so that we can vigorously pursue an outcome that does not result in a conviction; being convicted places you at risk of higher penalties under the three strikes law. You do not have to wait to contact us until posting bail

Defense Against Grand Theft Auto Charges in San Diego

Possible defenses in San Diego grand theft auto cases and San Diego County grand theft auto cases include, but are not limited to, the following: