Stealing a vehicle in New Jersey can be a serious crime. Even if someone is just using a friend or loved one’s car without permission, this can be seen as grand theft auto in New Jersey. What might have been just a simple joyride around town can turn to several years in jail plus stiff fines. You can lose everything. But, with the right attorney who will fight on your behalf, there may be a way to fix the situation for the better.
For more than 35 years, Jersey City grand theft auto lawyer Anthony Carbone has been fighting for the rights of his clients throughout New Jersey. With relentless and aggressive representation, our criminal defense attorney will make sure your future is not ruined just because of a mistake. He will fight to make sure your voice is heard and, if possible, have your charges lessened or even dropped.
What is Grand Theft Auto?
When you are accused of stealing a vehicle in New Jersey, you will be charged with grand theft. It doesn’t matter how the car was taken — either by the car being unattended with the keys in the ignition or if it was broken into. In order for the prosecution to convict you of the crime, the prosecutor will need to show the following:
- You took or drove the vehicle without permission.
- The vehicle in question belonged to someone else.
- You had taken the vehicle with the intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle.
The punishment for this type of crime can vary, depending on your criminal record. You can face up to 10 years in prison with fines totaling up to $15,000. If this is your first offense, you will be facing a $500 penalty and a suspension of your driver’s license. Your second conviction, the penalty increases to $750 and a two-year suspension. And for a third conviction, the fine jumps to $1,000 and a 10-year license suspension. You may also face other crimes such as burglary or carjacking.
These penalties can follow you as soon as you get out of jail. By having a criminal record, it will be hard to land a job, get a loan, or receive any assistance from the government.
Defense for Grand Theft Auto
Jersey City grand theft auto lawyer Anthony Carbone provides a solid defense on your behalf. Attorney Carbone will try to prove you did not commit grand theft auto one of two ways:
- You meant to return the vehicle (joyriding).
- You received consent from the owner before the car was taken.
If accused of joyriding, this is a disorderly person offense with less severe punishment.
If you are facing grand theft auto charges in Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, or anywhere else in New Jersey, make sure you have an aggressive grand theft auto attorney ready to fight on your behalf. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.
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