Theft of a Vehicle or Automobile

Grand Larceny Auto, Grand Theft Auto…the names given to the theft of a car, truck or any vehicle has become part of our every day vernacular. In fact, video games have spawned a cult following over the aggrandizement of this crime. While the crime may prosecuted differently throughout the United States, in New York, if you steal a beat up Chevrolet or a brand new mint Mercedes, you will face felony charges. According to New York Penal Law 155.30(8), you are guilty of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree if you steal a motor vehicle that is valued in excess of one hundred dollars. Unfortunately for most individuals who steal cars and other automobiles, a car would likely not be stolen in the first place if it were worth less than one hundred dollars.

If you are guilty of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree pursuant to NY PL 155.30(8), you will face up to four years in state prison. Although a non-incarceratory sentence is available, a judge can sentence a first time offender to prison. Obviously, before accepting any plea or fighting a Grand Larceny of a Vehicle to trial, have an in depth consultation with your New York criminal lawyer. A criminal attorney with an understanding of this type of Grand Larceny can ensure the charges are correct or, alternatively, find any potential holes in the prosecution’s case. For example, the Vehicle and Traffic Law defines what motor vehicles can form the foundation of this crime. The statute specifically does not include the theft of a motorcycle. While you may have stolen a $15,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle and committed another crime, you have not perpetrated NY PL 155.30(8). Only one example of the importance of having a full grasp on the criminal law, don’t compromise your already precarious position by not having counsel who can properly navigate and lead you through the criminal justice system.

Beyond a charge of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, there are many other criminal charges prosecutors may allege in a complaint against you. If the vehicle stolen is valued in excess of $3,000 or $50,000, then the District Attorney can also charge you with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (NY PL 155.35) or Grand Larceny in the Second Degree (NY PL 155.40) . These additional crimes carry a potential sentence of seven and fifteen years in state prison respectively. Other crimes, such as the misdemeanor offense of Auto Stripping, are also possible.

• Grand Larceny Based on Property Value
• Theft Convictions: Collateral Consequences
• Theft Crimes Sentencing Guidelines
• Defenses to Theft & Larceny

Whether you are charged with Grand Larceny of a vehicle or you merely wish to educate yourself on the law, a review of this site as well as the NewYorkTheftAndLarcenyLawyersBlog.Com and the NewYorkCriminalLawyerBlog.Com will put you in the right place. All of these resources have extensive information on this Grand Larceny and other crimes. With this base of information, contact the New York criminal lawyers and former Manhattan prosecutors at Saland Law. It is never too early to put yourself in a position to mitigate the allegations against you or to put forth a well-orchestrated defense.

Call the New York Automobile Theft Attorneys at Saland Law at 212.312.7129 or Contact Us Online to Start Your Criminal Defense Now