Clermont Auto Theft Attorney

Accused Of Auto Theft In Lake County?

Being arrested or investigated for auto theft can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may be worried about jail, a permanent felony record, and how this will affect your job and your family. You also may not know what to expect when you walk into court for the first time.

At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we represent people facing serious criminal charges here in Clermont and across the Four Corners region. Our criminal defense team brings more than 40 years of combined experience, including substantial time in local courts handling everything from DUI cases to serious felonies. We understand how these cases move through the system and how quickly decisions made at the start can affect your future.

Contact us today at (888) 835-5840 to schedule a consultation.

What is Considered Auto Theft?

Under Florida law, auto theft generally falls under the broader category of theft offenses. Auto theft occurs when a person knowingly and unlawfully takes, uses, or exercises control over a motor vehicle belonging to another person with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of their property.

Common examples of conduct that may lead to auto theft charges include:

• Stealing a parked or unattended vehicle
• Taking a vehicle without the owner’s permission (including “joyriding”)
• Using deception or fraud to obtain possession of a car
• Possessing or selling a stolen vehicle
• Carjacking (which involves force or violence and carries much harsher penalties)

In some cases, individuals are charged even when they believed they had permission to use the vehicle or did not intend to permanently steal it. These situations highlight why working with a knowledgeable Clermont auto theft lawyer is essential.

Penalties for Auto Theft in Florida

The penalties for auto theft in Florida depend on the value of the vehicle, the circumstances of the alleged offense, and the defendant’s criminal history. Motor vehicle theft is typically charged as grand theft, which is a felony offense.

Grand Theft Auto Penalties

In Florida, stealing a motor vehicle is generally classified as Grand Theft in the Third Degree, which is punishable by:

• Up to 5 years in prison
• Up to 5 years of probation
• Fines of up to $5,000
• A permanent felony conviction on your record

If aggravating factors are present—such as prior theft convictions, involvement in an organized theft operation, or the use of force—the charges and penalties may increase significantly.

Additional Consequences

Beyond criminal penalties, a conviction for auto theft can lead to:

• Difficulty finding employment
• Loss of professional licenses
• Increased insurance rates
• Damage to your personal and professional reputation

Legal Defense to Auto Theft

Every auto theft case is unique, and the right defense strategy depends on the specific facts involved. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we thoroughly investigate the prosecution’s evidence and identify defenses that may apply, including:

Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove that you intended to deprive the owner of their vehicle. If you believed you had permission to use the car or intended to return it, this element may not be met.

Mistaken Identity

Auto theft cases often rely on eyewitness testimony or surveillance footage, which can be unreliable. Mistaken identity is a common defense when evidence is unclear or inconsistent.

Insufficient Evidence

If the prosecution lacks physical evidence, credible witnesses, or proof tying you to the alleged theft, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a stop, search, or arrest, evidence obtained unlawfully may be suppressed.

False Accusations

Disputes between friends, family members, or former partners sometimes lead to false or exaggerated allegations of vehicle theft.

Our Clermont auto theft lawyer will evaluate all possible defenses and work to negotiate reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or a full dismissal whenever possible.

Auto Theft FAQs

Is auto theft always a felony in Florida?

Most auto theft cases are charged as felony grand theft. However, the specific charge depends on the circumstances and facts of the case.

Can I be charged if I borrowed a car without permission?

Yes. Taking a vehicle without permission, even temporarily, may result in auto theft charges. However, lack of intent to permanently deprive the owner can be an important defense.

What if I didn’t know the car was stolen?

Knowledge is a key element of many theft-related charges. If you did not know the vehicle was stolen, your attorney may be able to challenge the prosecution’s case.

Can auto theft charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes. Depending on the evidence, your criminal history, and the circumstances, charges may be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through diversion programs or plea negotiations.

Should I talk to the police about an auto theft accusation?

It is strongly recommended that you speak with a Clermont auto theft lawyer before giving any statements to law enforcement.

Ready to Defend You

If you are accused of taking or using a vehicle without permission, you may be charged under Florida theft laws. Auto theft cases can involve everything from allegations that a car was never returned, to claims that a vehicle was taken from a driveway or lot, to situations where someone is accused of being involved with a stolen vehicle after the fact. What may feel like a misunderstanding to you can still be treated as a serious felony under state law.

Florida treats the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle as a form of grand theft in many circumstances. Depending on the value of the vehicle, any prior record, and whether there are related charges such as burglary of a conveyance or dealing in stolen property, you could face substantial prison exposure, probation, fines, restitution, and a long-term impact on your record. A conviction can follow you when you apply for jobs, housing, or certain licenses, and it may not be easy to erase later.

Auto theft cases that arise here are typically prosecuted in the criminal division of the Lake County courts. In some situations, especially when an arrest happens in a neighboring county, your case might be filed in the courts of Orange, Osceola, or Polk County. Each courthouse has its own procedures and culture. Our attorneys routinely appear in these courts, and we understand the local practices that can influence scheduling, plea discussions, and how judges handle theft cases.

Call (888) 835-5840 to speak with our team.