Auto Theft Lawyer in Orlando
Board-Certified Criminal Defense for Vehicle Theft Charges in Central Florida
Vehicle theft accusations carry felony consequences in Florida, and the law doesn’t leave much room to maneuver without a strong defense. At Fighter Law, our board-certified criminal trial attorneys have been defending clients against serious charges since 2012. Attorney Jessica Ann Travis is Board Certified by The Florida Bar, and our team handles felony and misdemeanor cases throughout Central Florida every day.
Facing an auto theft charge in Orlando? Call us at (407) 574-7576 to schedule a free consultation, available virtually, with a criminal defense attorney who knows how Florida courts handle these cases.
Why Motor Vehicle Theft Is Automatically a Felony in Florida
Florida Statute 812.014 sets a $750 value threshold before most stolen property becomes a felony. Motor vehicles are treated differently. Under Florida Statute 812.014(2)(c)6, the theft of any motor vehicle is automatically charged as grand theft in the third degree regardless of what the vehicle is worth. A dented 2003 sedan triggers the same felony charge as a late-model luxury car.
Florida’s definition of theft adds another layer. The statute covers intent to deprive an owner of property either temporarily or permanently, meaning a short-term unauthorized use of a vehicle can still satisfy the legal definition of grand theft. That breadth matters when building a defense.
Felony Degrees & Penalties for Motor Vehicle Theft
The base charge, third-degree grand theft, carries up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
When aggravating factors raise the stakes, the penalties rise sharply:
- Second-degree grand theft: Applies when the vehicle’s value reaches $20,000 or other statutory factors are present. Punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- First-degree grand theft: Applies when the vehicle’s value reaches $100,000 or other first-degree factors apply. Punishable by up to thirty years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Beyond prison time, a conviction can produce restitution obligations and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing for years after the sentence ends.
Why Choose Fighter Law?
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Defenses to Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Florida auto theft charges are fact-intensive, and the prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Several recognized defenses can challenge that proof:
- Lack of intent: The state must prove you intended to deprive the owner of the vehicle, temporarily or permanently. Without that intent, the charge may not stand.
- Owner’s consent: Proof that the owner gave permission to use the vehicle, even if that permission is later disputed, can challenge the charge.
- Good-faith claim of right: A genuine belief that you had a legal right to the vehicle is a recognized defense to theft charges under Florida law.
- Mistaken identity: Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage are fallible. Challenging the reliability of identification evidence is a standard defense strategy in these cases.
Carjacking & Related Charges in Florida
Carjacking under Florida Statute 812.133 requires taking a vehicle from a person through force, violence, assault, or by placing the person in fear. That force element is what separates it from ordinary auto theft and why the penalties are far more severe.
Carjacking is a first-degree felony. When committed with a firearm or other deadly weapon, it becomes punishable by up to life in prison. A vehicle can also elevate a separate theft charge when it’s used as an instrumentality in committing another offense, going beyond simply serving as a getaway car.
Why Fighter Law Defends Orlando Auto Theft Cases
Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases throughout Central Florida, and we approach every new case prepared to take it to trial if that’s appropriate. That posture isn’t just about readiness. It can create real leverage in pre-trial negotiations. Prosecutors may negotiate differently when they know the defense team isn’t looking for the fastest exit.
Florida criminal law is statewide, but outcomes shift from county to county and courtroom to courtroom. Judges, prosecutors, and local procedures all shape how cases move. Our attorneys regularly practice in courts across Central Florida, so we understand those dynamics in Orange County and beyond firsthand, not just in theory.
If you’ve already been convicted, we can also help you evaluate appeals, expunctions, and other post-conviction options. We offer free initial consultations along with payment plans to make representation accessible, and our services are available in English and Spanish.
Contact Fighter Law at (407) 574-7576 to discuss your auto theft charge in Orlando with a board-certified criminal defense attorney at no cost.
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