Breckenridge Grand Theft Auto Defense Attorneys
Charged with Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft in Breckenridge?
Grand theft auto, or aggravated motor vehicle theft, is a serious crime in Colorado. If you are facing these charges in Summit County, you need to hire an attorney on an immediate basis. Your attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that your rights are protected. Our defense attorneys have many years of experience and will work diligently to get a positive result in your case if taken on. Don't hesitate to contact a Breckenridge theft defense attorney from our firm today at (970) 368-0602, for a free consultation.
What is Grand Theft Auto in Colorado?
In Colorado, aggravated auto theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes or exerts unauthorized control over another person's vehicle, with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle. This crime is considered a felony in Colorado and is punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.
Degrees of Grand Theft Auto/ Aggravated Auto Theft
There are two degrees of auto theft in Colorado: first-degree and second-degree.
- First-degree auto theft is a felony that occurs when a person knowingly takes a vehicle without the owner’s consent and with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of possession of the vehicle.
- Second-degree auto theft is a misdemeanor that occurs when a person knowingly takes a vehicle without the owner’s consent but without the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of possession of the vehicle.
Penalties for Grand Theft Auto in Colorado
- First-degree aggravated automobile theft is always a felony, and penalties can include up to 12 years in Colorado State Prison and/or fines of $1,000 to $750,000.
- Second-degree aggravated automobile theft is usually a felony as well, with penalties including 1 to 3 years in prison and/or fines of $1,000 to $100,000. However, it can be charged as a misdemeanor if the value of the vehicle is less than $2,000 and the offender has no more than one prior auto-theft conviction.
What Are Some Legal Defenses for Grand Theft Auto?
There are a few possible defenses to grand theft auto charges. These may include:
- The defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the car. This means that the person accused intended to return the vehicle.
- Another possible defense is that the owner consented to the individual taking the vehicle in the first place.
The defense that will be used in your case will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your case and what your attorney feels is best.
Can My Criminal Record be Sealed After a Grand Theft Auto Charge?
If you are being charged with aggravated auto theft in the state of Colorado, you may be wondering if your criminal record can ever be sealed. The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
A felony conviction can be sealed three years after the completion of your sentence if the conviction was not for a class 3 felony (first-degree aggravated car theft of $100,000 or higher). Cases that are dismissed (meaning there is no conviction) can be sealed right away.
Why Choose an Experienced Breckenridge Grand Theft Auto Defense Attorney from Whitaker & Penix, LLC?
If you're facing criminal charges, you need an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side. At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, our Summit County grand theft auto attorneys have over a decade of experience in criminal defense. We understand the ins and outs of the legal system and will work tirelessly to and to the best of our ability to obtain a positive outcome in your case if it is taken on.
With a combined 10 years of experience as prosecutors, we know what the other side is thinking and can remain one step ahead of them when taking the case to trial. We offer free 30-minute phone consultations so that you can get to know us, and we can assess your case. We believe that open communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship, and we will always be available to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Call us today at (970) 368-0602 to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you through this difficult time.