Grand Theft Auto Defense Attorney in Kingston, New York

In New York, stealing a motor vehicle is a felony offense that often attracts devastating penalties. A defendant convicted of grand theft auto or motor vehicle theft may face lengthy imprisonment, massive fines, a criminal record, and other life-changing ramifications. With your freedom and future at stake, you may naturally feel terrified. 

If you’re under investigation for the theft of a vehicle or automobile, it is imperative that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled New York State criminal defense attorney immediately to help build your defense. At Melanson Law Office, I have devoted my career to handling criminal cases and representing individuals who have been charged with grand theft auto. 

As your attorney, I can investigate every facet of your unique situation, dispute the accusations against you with factual evidence, and help determine your best defenses. Above all, I will fight strategically to uphold your freedom and improve your chances of a brighter tomorrow. 

My firm – Melanson Law Office P.C. – is proud to represent clients throughout the Hudson Valley, including Highland, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, and Hudson, New York.

Grand Theft Auto Under New York Law  

Grand theft auto is a criminal offense (felony) that often involves the theft of motor vehicles or automobiles. According to New York laws, a person may be guilty of grand larceny of a vehicle if he or she steals a motor vehicle worth over $100, excluding a motorcycle. Since automobiles and motor vehicles are usually assets of high value, theft cases involving these items will be treated as grand theft or grand larceny. 

Elements Required to Be Classified as “Grand Theft Auto”  

In order for a theft case to be classified as grand theft auto: 

• The theft must involve a motor vehicle. 

• The vehicle must be worth over $100. 

Furthermore, to be convicted of grand theft auto, the following effects must be present: 

• The defendant took or stole the car. 

• The car wasn’t the defendant’s lawful property. 

• The rightful owner of the vehicle didn’t give the defendant consent or permission to take the car. 

• The defendant intended to permanently deprive the lawful owner of their vehicle. 

If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with grand theft auto, you need to reach out to a strategic New York State theft defense lawyer right away. Your legal counsel can fully explain the nature of your charges and the possible penalties of a conviction. 

Possible Penalties for Grand Theft Auto Charges 

In New York, grand larceny offenses are often punished severely. Here are some possible penalties and consequences of a grand theft auto conviction: 

• Lengthy prison sentences (ranging from months to years) 

• Massive fines 

• A criminal record/history 

• Probation 

• Increased difficulty in securing accommodation, employment, or scholarships 

• Increased difficulty in getting government assistance 

• Increased difficulty traveling to other countries 

• Ineligibility for certain financial loans 

• Loss of voting rights 

• Loss of gun ownership/carry rights 

• Deterioration of professional and personal relationships 

A trusted attorney can identify potential defenses to your grand theft charges and help you avoid the far-reaching ramifications of a criminal conviction. 

Common Grand Theft Auto Defenses 

When facing grand theft auto accusations, your lawyer can help fight your charges using any of these legal defenses: 

• Consent – The owner consented to the taking. 

• Lack of intent – You did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. 

• Claim of right – The car belonged to you. 

• False accusations – The theft allegations against you are false. 

• Borrowed the property – You borrowed the vehicle and intended to return it to the rightful owner. 

An experienced New York grand theft auto defense attorney can evaluate the surrounding facts of your case and determine the best defenses to help fight your charges. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

Defending yourself against grand theft auto accusations without reliable guidance and representation could increase your risks of getting convicted and suffering the maximum punishments. Unfortunately, a criminal conviction or record could jeopardize your quality of life, personal reputation, liberty, career, and future opportunities. Therefore, when charged with grand theft auto, you need to retain a seasoned criminal defense attorney to help protect your rights and build your defense strategy. 

At Melanson Law Office, I have the resources, experience, and diligence to defend and represent individuals facing grand theft auto charges. Using my extensive knowledge, I can guide you through the New York judiciary system and offer the aggressive representation you need to fight your charges. With me on your side, you can anticipate the most favorable outcome in your criminal case.