Corona Auto Theft Attorney

Also Serving Chino, Chino Hills, Norco, Riverside, Corona, Eastvale and South Corona

Auto theft is the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck or motorcycle without the prior consent or permission of the rightful owner.  It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending of the circumstances of the incident.  An important element of auto theft is whether or not it was the person's intention to permanently deprive the owner of his vehicle.  If this is alleged, an individual can be charged with Grand Theft Auto.  A lesser charge may result if the vehicle was temporarily taken.

Any theft crime, including auto theft, is going to be taken seriously by prosecutors and they will push for conviction and the penalties that go with it.  You will need an aggressive and knowledgeable Corona criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your rights if you face auto theft charges.

Effective Defenses in Your Case 

Penalties for conviction on an auto theft crime vary from case to case.  A felony auto theft crime is considered a "strike" against your record and if it is your third strike you could be sentenced to a lifetime of incarceration.  For lesser charges you may face up to $5000 in fines and a maximum of a year in jail.  Felony convictions can result in a $10,000 fine and up to 4 years in prison. 

There are, however, defenses against auto theft charges that can result in you being acquitted, getting reduced punishments or avoiding time in jail or prison all together.  At times, improper actions by the police such as an illegal stop or failure to give the Miranda warnings can be used in your defense.  We thoroughly research your case to develop and carry out an effective defensive strategy that forces the prosecution to prove their case.  If we can show lack of intent on your part, consent by the owner of the vehicle or that there were mistakes in the facts of the case, we confidently work to use this to your advantage.  With Cho, Sheasby, Chung & Ignacio, LLP, our goal is to obtain the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Immediately contact a Corona auto theft attorney when you've been charged with auto theft and require a proven, determined legal defense.