Motor Vehicle Theft

Marietta Criminal Defense Lawyer

The state of Georgia recognizes any motor vehicle theft as a felony crime and you may be heavily prosecuted after an arrest. Following an arrest, you need to take immediate action to ensure that your rights are protected and your freedoms are aggressively defended. It is imperative that you ensure your future is protected by working with an attorney from The Merchant Law Firm as soon as possible. If you are under investigation or have been arrested for motor vehicle theft, you need to contact the dedicated Marietta criminal defense lawyers at our office now.

Because the taking of another vehicle always exceeds $500 (the minimum amount allowed to charge a person with grand theft) motor vehicle thefts are always considered grand theft auto. Convictions may have an individual facing penalties up to years in prison, fines and restitution.

You may also potentially lose your driver's license for at least one year. If a weapon or excessive force was used to steal the vehicle, such as in carjacking cases, you may risk having your charges escalated and be charged with other crimes, such as armed robbery, in conjunction with your motor vehicle theft charges. These accusations have harsh penalties, which is why you need to contact The Merchant Law Firm now.

Types of Car Theft

Carjacking is one of the most serious forms of car theft, but there are other ways that a car can be stolen as well. Hot-wiring a vehicle involves a person connecting wires to start the car's engine and driving off without the keys to the vehicle. Opportunistic thefts may occur if a vehicle is left running and the owner steps away from the car and the thief simply steps in and drives off.

Fraudulent theft may occur if a thief contacts a tow company and has the car towed to a location of their choice. Any of these thefts are considered very serious and individuals who have been charged with grand theft auto or motor vehicle theft need to contact an attorney right away.

Dedicated Representation for Your Case

When you work with The Merchant Law Firm, you will be working with attorneys who are devoted to providing outstanding legal representation to clients in their time of need. Our team of professionals stands ready to thoroughly investigate your case and ensure that a favorable outcome is reached for your verdict.

We understand that this time in your life may be stressful, but we will do everything in our power to investigate the circumstances leading up to your case and challenge any evidence that may have been obtained illegally or unjustly.