Theft is the intentional taking of property of an individual to permanently remove this property from this person. Theft is broken down into different categories based on the monetary value of what has been stolen. This is to help with the sentencing process. If you are looking for an Auto Theft Defense Lawyer Central Islip choose Flowers Law Group to provide excellent legal counsel to you!

The different categories of theft are: 

• Petty Theft – Typically a misdemeanor that carry’s fines or short amount of jail time 
• Grand Theft – Can be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on severity of theft (felonies will receive sentences longer than a year in state prison)  
• Federal Grand Theft – Typically means that the threshold for felony theft charges in a specific state has been exceeded and the defendant will likely see jail time longer than a year

There are certain instances where regardless of the dollar amount that is taken the defendant in question will receive jail time if convicted. For example if someone were to steal another persons firearm or automobile it would be considered a felony. In New York State the theft of public records, secret scientific materials and credit or debit card information are all considered felonies. Additionally, an offense will be charged as a felony depending on the matter in which the theft was conducted. If there was physical violence involved or breaking and entering this will certainly add on to the penalty that is received. If you or someone you know needs an auto theft defense lawyer Central Islip you should contact Flowers Law Group immediately. 

 

Proving Grand Theft Auto

In order to convict someone of grand theft a judge must be certain that the individual in questions: 

• Drove or took a car
• That did not belong to them
• Had the intent of never returning the property to its owner

In many states the same laws that apply to auto theft also apply to the theft of boats, campers, RVs and other vehicles. 

 

How Can You Defend For An Auto Theft Case

What you may not know is that some defenses can be used in a theft case. Assuming a theft has occurred the following are common defense that may be used. 

• “I though it was mine” – If the defendant had a reason to believe that the property they stole was their’s. Though this is a straight forward claim it is not as simple to prove in court and typically the defendant would need to provide evidence or proof that there was a reason for them to believe it was their’s. 
• Intoxication – An individual can claim that when the theft in question occurred that they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol and that they were unable to form the proper intent to steal the property
• Returning Property – While returning the stolen property to its owner doesn’t stop theft charges from occurring it can certainly help pain a better picture of you in your trial for sentencing 
• Entrapment – Entrapment is when an individual commits a crime but, was coaxed into committing it by someone else to prosecute the person committing the crime.  

 

Punishments For Auto Theft Crimes 

• Imprisonment 
• Restitution 
• Fines
• Probation

 

Auto Theft Defense Lawyer Central Islip

Flowers Law Group can provide you with the legal expertise you so desperately need. Don’t go in to your auto theft case without capable legal representation. Call us today for a free consultation and we will discuss how we can help you.