Is a grand theft auto charge a felony or misdemeanor?

Grand theft auto charges can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. The true answer depends on the laws in the state where the theft occurred. In some states, grand theft auto is only a felony and in others it can be either. If you live in a state where it can be either, it will likely depend on the value of the car that was stolen.

Grand Theft Auto: A Felony

California is one state where grand theft auto is always a felony. Joyriding is a related misdemeanor offense. The difference is in the intent of the thief, because in California stealing a car is a felony regardless of the actual value of the car. If the thief intended to permanently steal the car from its owner (as opposed to joyriding which can be temporary in intent) then the charge will be the felony grand theft auto.

Not every state calls stealing a car "grand theft auto". In Colorado, the charge is aggravated motor vehicle theft. You can be charged with this crime if you kept the car in your possession for more than one day or you put license plates belonging to another car on the vehicle or you took it across state lines for more than twelve hours. The class of felony you can be charged with in Colorado is directly correlated to the value of the car. The more value on the car, the more serious a felony you will be charged with.

Get Legal Help

If you have been charged with stealing a car you are likely to be facing some serious penalties, punishments and consequences. You should seek out the services of an excellent criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so that he or she has an adequate amount of time to prepare a vigorous defense.