Grand Theft Auto Charges

Auto Theft Attorney in Riverside

Auto Theft Defense in Riverside Since 1980

A vehicle-related theft allegation can create immediate concerns about custody, a criminal record, employment, transportation, and family obligations. Grand theft is detailed in California Penal Code Section 487. If you need an auto theft attorney in Riverside, we can help you identify the charge you face and understand the next steps.

We can investigate the allegations and available evidence, including mitigating circumstances and evidence that you didn’t commit the offense.

In Riverside, auto theft allegations may involve grand theft auto under California Penal Code section 487(d), unauthorized taking or driving under California Vehicle Code section 10851, or another related offense. The facts involving ownership, permission, intent, possession, and vehicle recovery can affect the prosecution’s theory. Since 1980, Greenberg & Greenberg has focused on criminal defense in Riverside.

Call (951) 574-2281 to discuss your auto theft allegation and the charge listed in your case.

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What Are Grand Theft Charges in California?

When another’s property is taken without permission with the intent to permanently deprive that person of the property, theft has occurred. California law differentiates between “grand” theft and petty theft. Petty theft is generally associated with property worth $950 or less, while theft of property worth more than $950 may be charged as grand theft. Grand theft charges can also arise alongside fraud-related allegations involving insurance, credit cards, or real estate.

Stealing a computer worth $2,000 could be charged as grand theft, but taking money from a cash register at work over time could also be charged as grand theft if the total amount exceeds $950. Certain scams can also trigger grand theft allegations. A vehicle-specific allegation, however, should be evaluated under the statute listed in the charging document rather than treated only as a property-value theft case.

What Can Happen If You Are Charged With Grand Theft?

If you are caught in the commission of a theft, you may be immediately arrested. If police investigate a theft and believe they have identified a suspect, they may make an arrest at a home, workplace, or another location. A prosecutor then reviews the available information and decides whether to file charges. Our attorneys can obtain and review available police reports and charging papers as the case proceeds.

The process may involve an investigation, arrest or citation, a charging decision, arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial preparation. The exact timing depends on the charge, custody status, court orders, and case-specific circumstances. At arraignment, the court advises you of the charges and you enter a plea.

During pretrial proceedings, we may negotiate a resolution or challenge the prosecution’s evidence through motions. If a case goes to trial, jurors decide whether the prosecution proved the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, and sentencing follows only if there is a conviction.

Grand Theft Auto vs. Unauthorized Taking or Driving

Grand theft auto under California Penal Code section 487(d) and unauthorized taking or driving under California Vehicle Code section 10851 are different allegations. Vehicle Code section 10851 can apply when someone is accused of taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent with intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the owner of title or possession. The charging statute, alleged intent, consent evidence, possession history, and how the vehicle was used all matter when evaluating a defense.

Is Grand Theft a Felony in California?

Under California law, some grand theft offenses are “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. The charging decision can depend on the statutory subdivision, the alleged loss, prior criminal history, and the circumstances surrounding the accusation. Grand theft involving an automobile under Penal Code section 487(d) should be evaluated separately from ordinary grand theft based on property value.

Potential consequences depend on the charge filed and the outcome of the case. They can include custody, fines, restitution, probation, and collateral effects involving employment, housing, professional licensing, or immigration status.

Considering California’s three strikes law, it is important to understand the potential effect of a felony charge on your record. Whether the law applies depends on the offense of conviction, prior convictions, and the circumstances of the case. A conviction may also affect future criminal exposure.

What Are Possible Defenses for Grand Theft?

The defense strategy will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accusation. The prosecution must prove the required conduct and criminal intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Potential defense issues can include:

Owner consent or a reasonable belief that permission existed
Ownership or possessory rights in the vehicle or property
Disputes about the intent required by the charged statute, including evidence that the vehicle was meant to be returned
Mistaken identity or insufficient proof of who took or drove the vehicle
Inconsistencies in witness accounts, surveillance, police reports, or physical evidence

As former prosecutors, we evaluate how the prosecution may attempt to prove each element and where the evidence may fall short. Owner statements, witness accounts, surveillance, vehicle location information, police reports, dispatch records, phone records, and physical evidence may reveal inconsistencies or gaps. Statements attributed to the accused also require careful review. Being found in or near a vehicle doesn’t resolve every question about who took it or what that person intended.

How Can an Attorney Help You with Grand Theft Charges?

Our Riverside auto theft lawyers can explain the judicial process and the allegations against you. We can review charging documents and available evidence, investigate the facts, identify factual or constitutional issues, and assess the prosecution’s theory.

We focus exclusively on criminal defense and provide direct access to experienced attorneys through our boutique approach. Our attorneys have litigated hundreds of trials and thousands of preliminary hearings and motions. Early legal advice can help you prepare for the first court appearance and avoid statements that create additional problems.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Greenberg & Greenberg, we offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss the allegation, the listed charge, and the next court step.

We take time with clients to listen to their story. After hearing about your charges, we can answer your questions in clear terms and explain what information may be important to the defense. We handle your case confidentially, respond promptly, and keep you informed as it moves forward.

Contact us online or call (951) 574-2281 to schedule a free initial consultation with our Riverside auto theft attorneys. We return calls promptly.

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Decades of Criminal Defense

Since 1980, our attorneys have handled a wide spectrum of criminal cases, bringing seasoned judgment and steady guidance to every matter.
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With backgrounds as former prosecutors, we anticipate the opposition’s approach and pinpoint case vulnerabilities from the outset.
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Our boutique structure ensures you work one‑on‑one with senior counsel—no handoffs to junior associates.
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We return calls promptly, provide regular updates, and lay out each step so you always know where your case stands.

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Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (951) 574-2281 today to schedule a free consultation. We return calls promptly and walk you through every step of the legal process.

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