The Blanch Law Firm has gained a national reputation defending clients against larceny charges, including Grand Theft Auto. Experienced, knowledgeable and thorough, our expert criminal defense attorneys get favorable results for clients charged with stealing automobiles, including organized car theft rings.

For example, a client, who was accused of participating in an international auto smuggling ring, faced a mandatory term of imprisonment and potential deportation proceedings. Our attorneys managed a disposition that led to no jail time–not even probation–for the client, who was allowed to remain in the United States.

Grand Theft Auto, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and Auto Stripping

Among larceny charges involving cars, three are most significant:

• According to Penal Law Section (or Article) 155.30, a person who steals a motor vehicle will be charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (also called Grand Theft Auto), even if the stolen car was valued at no more than $100.00;
• According to Penal Law Section (or Article) 165.08, a person who, knowing he does not have the car owner’s consent, takes, operates or rides in that car for the purpose of committing a felony will be charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the First Degree;
• According to Penal Law Section (or Article) 165.11, a person removes parts from a car will be charged with Auto Stripping in the First Degree if the value pf the parts removed or destroyed exceeds $3,000.00 in value;

Defending Against Grand Theft Auto Charges

If you are charged with a crime, don’t discount the seriousness of the ordeal you are about to go through. Being arrested–even for joyriding in a stolen car–means you can be indicted, prosecuted and convicted. Fighting criminal charges means you can spend months or possibly years of untiring efforts, time-consuming court appearances, and expenditure of possibly vast sums of money, to extricate yourself from the coils of the law. Living through the Criminal Law Process is a nightmare.

Even at arraignment (when the judge formally announces in court charges that were filed against you), the decisions you make at that time will affect every future stage in the criminal proceedings.

For example, at arraignment, the judge decides whether to set bail. This is the stage at which our attorneys can do a great deal for you. If bail is set, you must post a bond, which means a cash payment that is held by the state to insure your return to court, or you will continue to be held in police custody. Obviously, you are in a better position to defend yourself legally if you are not in jail. However, the prosecution knows that they are in a better position to get you to plead guilty if you remain in custody and will take a plea just to get out of jail. So the prosecutor will argue vigorously that the judge should set bail in an amount you cannot hope to pay and set other conditions on your release that are burdensome.

We Can Help

The Blanch Law Firm will skillfully advocate on your behalf to modify the initially harsh position adopted by a judge about the amount of bail and other conditions of release, thereby effectuating an outcome more favorable to you.

If you are facing charges of Grand Theft Auto, Grand Larceny, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, or Auto Stripping, don’t wait to secure qualified counsel. Turning to the Blanch Law Firm is your best defense.

To arrange an initial consultation, Contact The Blanch Law Firm by calling (646) 706-7722.