Have you been accused of, or charged with, unauthorized driving in connection with a situation such as the following?
- Failing to return a rental car on time
- Driving a car belonging to a family member, employer, neighbor or stranger without permission
- Carjacking
If so, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 10851, “Any person who drives or takes a vehicle not his or her own, without the consent of the owner thereof, and with intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner thereof of his or her title to or possession of the vehicle, whether with or without intent to steal the vehicle, or any person who is a party or an accessory to or an accomplice in the driving or unauthorized taking or stealing, is guilty of a public offense and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished.” Punishment for theft or unauthorized use of vehicle may include up to a year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
If you have been accused of unauthorized driving — even if the accusations have not yet resulted in a criminal arrest — you need a lawyer right away. The sooner you have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side, the more likely it is that your case may have a favorable outcome, hopefully without any need to go before a judge in a courtroom. On the other hand, if you have already been charged and arrested, your need for a strong advocate is urgent.
As a former prosecutor, attorney Daniel R. Perlman is very familiar with all aspects and facets of a complex criminal case. Sometimes, a person in possession of a car is convinced that he or she has not actually stolen the car, but someone else makes accusations of unauthorized driving. These accusations may be resolved through negotiations and reparations in some cases. If a skilled defense lawyer comes into the picture early enough, there may be a clear opportunity to avoid criminal charges altogether. Naturally, it is best for the accused person to resolve the dispute in a way that does not result in a criminal record.
Los Angeles Defense Attorney — Unauthorized Driving Defense
You may believe that your “unauthorized driving” incident does not rise to the level of grand theft auto. Rest assured that our lawyers are here to help you. We trust our clients’ word — and hope that they trust ours. Contact us online or call us in Los Angeles at 213-514-8324 or 213-514-8324 to schedule a free initial consultation.
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