Arrest Made After Stolen Vehicle Chase Ends In Central Florida

According to reporting from Click Orlando, an arrest of a man was made after a stolen vehicle chase ended in Osceola County. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that the person—whose name was not made public—barricaded themselves within the vehicle at the end of the chase. Notably, vehicle thefts have been on the rise in Florida and throughout the country. Within this blog post, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer provides an overview of stolen vehicle charges in Florida.

Grand Theft Auto is the Deprivation of a Vehicle From its Rightful Owner 

As defined under Florida law, grand theft auto (vehicle theft) is the act of depriving a vehicle from its rightful owner without their consent. It is a very  serious criminal offense involving the unauthorized taking, driving, or using of someone else’s vehicle. It encompasses various actions, such as stealing a car or illegally borrowing it. In Florida, even joyriding in someone else’s vehicle without the intent to permanently “steal it” can be charged as a grand theft auto offense. 

Penalties for Grand Theft Auto Vary Based on Degree of the Crime 

In Florida, vehicle theft is a felony offense. All grand theft auto charges are classified as felonies. That being said, the specific severity of the offense will depend on the underlying factors. Indeed, grand theft auto is categorized into the following three levels of charges:

• Third Degree Grand Theft Auto: For thefts involving motor vehicles valued at less than $20,000, the offense is classified as a third-degree felony. It carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
• Second Degree Grand Theft Auto: If the stolen vehicle is valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, the crime is elevated to a second-degree felony. It carries penalties of up to fifteen years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
• First Degree Grand Theft Auto: The highest degree of felony, a first-degree felony, applies when a vehicle valued at $100,000. It carries penalties of up to thirty years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. 

Carjacking is a Separate—and Often More Serious—Criminal Offense 

Carjacking is a separate and often more serious criminal offense in Florida. It involves forcefully taking possession of a motor vehicle from its owner, often accompanied by the use of threats, violence, or intimidation. Unlike grand theft auto, carjacking typically entails the presence of the vehicle’s occupant during the crime. Due to its violent nature, carjacking carries harsher penalties, regardless of the value of the stolen vehicle. Convictions for carjacking can result in significant prison sentences and substantial fines. 

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With an Orlando, FL Criminal Defense Attorney

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorneys go above and beyond to provide the highest level of legal counsel to our clients. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with a stolen vehicle related offense, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential review of your case. We provide criminal defense representation throughout Central Florida.

Source:

clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/stolen-vehicle-chase-in-osceola-county-ends-in-standoff-arrest/