Is Stealing a Car a Felony? 

If you want to know, is stealing a car a felony, then you are in the right spot! We have done research to find out the best information to provide you in one article. We hope this article helps you better understand when stealing a car becomes a felony and when it is not. Let us dive into an interesting article.

Types of Car Stealing Charges

For us to properly tell you if stealing a car is a felony, we must first tell you that there are a few distinct types of car stealing charges. There is car theft and grand theft auto. They are different and the same. Let us talk about car theft first. 

Car Theft 

Car theft is when a person takes a vehicle with the owner present. This generally means that the owner has been ordered to give up the vehicle with force or fear. The person taking the vehicle has scared the owner of the vehicle. This could happen with the owner in the vehicle or with them next to it. 

However, this is done to purposely take the car away from the owner for a period. In order to be convicted of this, there are a few things that must be proven, as this is a serious crime. Here are the things that must be proven to convict someone of car theft. 

• The person has possession of the car or at some point had possession of the car. 
• The owner was present when the vehicle was taken. 
• The vehicle was taken against the will of the owner with the use of force or fear. 
• The car was taken to deprive or get back at the owner. 

Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto occurs when the owner of the vehicle is not present. This means that the vehicle could be in a parking lot or even on the street. The owner is unaware that the vehicle has been taken and will not find out until they go to drive it next if it is not in sight of any windows. This is a serious crime as well, however, is it a felony? 

Most often, you will find that the person who has stolen the car will still have possession of the vehicle when they are arrested. If you find yourself in these conditions, you can find yourself up to a year in jail. If you are facing a felony conviction, you may find up to three years in jail. 

When is stealing a car a Felony?

You will find that grand theft auto is generally not a felony and often times is a misdemeanor crime. This is because no one is harmed or scared during the capture of the vehicle. The owner is generally not aware of the situation. 

Car theft or carjacking is done when the owner is present and sometimes with force. This means that the owner of the vehicle is threatened and scared. Most often, this is done to get back at someone. However, this is done and is considered a felony. 

Hire A Theft Attorney For Your Case

Whether you or a loved one is facing any type of car theft charge, it’s important that you hire a theft charges lawyer for representation. The Barkemeyer Law Firm is a top-notch criminal law firm to help with any type of theft charges. You can contact them on this page here.

You should now know is stealing a car a felony and we wish you all the best.