Grand Theft Auto

San Jose – Grand Theft Auto

The California charge of grand theft auto, also known as GTA, follows the logic of theft in general: if you intended to steal the vehicle and to permanently deprive the owner of it, the basic elements of theft have been met and you can be so charged. However, if you planned to simply take the car for a "joyride," – which means that you planned to just temporarily drive the car and then return it to the owner – then you may be charged with the misdemeanor charge of California auto theft. Other relevant factors may include:

• Whether you have a history of similar auto crimes
• Whether you illegally entered a home, garage or contained parking facility to steal the car
• Prior criminal history
• Value of the car
• Conditions of the theft, e.g., was anyone harmed or was property damaged
• Was the car damaged

If you have been charged with auto theft, obtain the legal representation of an experienced San Jose criminal defense attorney to represent you as early in the case as possible. Your attorney will be able to investigate the circumstances of the offense, as well as be able to review the facts of the arrest. Do not try to represent yourself – there are far too many laws, procedures and possible pitfalls. Call us now for a free consultation.

San Jose Resources:

• California Department of Motor Vehicles: http://dmv.ca.gov
• Adult Probation Office: (408) 435-2100

• The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara,  www.scscourt.org/
• Santa Clara Downtown Superior Court (DTS), 191 N. First St., San Jose CA 95113, (408) 882-2120
• Criminal Cases: Hall of Justice, 190-200 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110, (408) 808-6600
• The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Main Hall of Justice Phone Number: (408) 808-6600
• The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Mailing Address: 191 N. First Street, San Jose, CA 95113
• California Courts, Judicial Branch Home, www.courts.ca.gov/home.htm
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, www.cand.uscourts.gov/home
• Office of the District Attorney, Santa Clara County, 70 West Hedding Street, West Wing, San Jose, CA 95110,
• Office of the District Attorney, Santa Clara County, (408) 299-7400, www.santaclara-da.org/portal/site/da/
• Office of the District Attorney, Santa Clara County, email,   ombudsman@da.sccgov.org

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

• United States Attorney, Northern District of California, 150 Almaden Blvd., Suite 900, San Jose, CA 95113
• Department of Alcohol and Drug Services: (408) 792-5651

• Assessment Center: (408) 468-1870

• California Attorney General Identity Theft Hotline: (888) 880-0240