- DUI
- Criminal Defense
- Florida DUI
- Traffic Offenses
- Drug Charges
- Marijuana Charges
- Violent Crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Temporary Injunctions
- Weapons Charges
- Theft Crimes
- White Collar Crime
- Juvenile Offenses
- Sex Crimes
- Violation of Probation
- Early Termination of Probation
- Seal or Expunge Criminal Record
- Criminal Appeals
- US Federal Offenses
- Misdemeanor Charges
- Felony Charges
- Co-Defendant Cases
- College Student Defense
- College Student Hearings
- FSU Students
- FAMU Students
- Florida Panhandle Arrests
- Extradition to Florida
- Bench Warrants / Warrants
- Emergency Bond Hearings
- Gambling Charges
- Drone Arrests
- Marsy’s Law
- UAS Infractions
- Introduction of Contraband
- Lying to Police
- Locations
- Case Results
- Our Firm
- Media
- Resources
- Blog
- Contact Us
Over 100 Not Guilty Verdicts At Trial | Over 2,000 Dismissals
* Statistics Verified by County Clerk of Court Documents
Client Testimonials
- "Don Pumphrey is amazing and gets the job done right!! I would highly recommend him to anyone. "
- "He takes care of everything from start to finish. If you are looking for the best, go with Don!"
- "Mr. Pumphrey rescued my family in a time of crisis. A simple traffic stop turned into out-of-state incarceration for my adult son. Our family has zero experience with needing legal counsel. We were referred to Mr. Pumphrey by another lawyer based on his reputation. Mr Pumphrey was knowledgeable about the out-of-state circumstances and educated us on the complexities of the situation. He and his staff answered and/or returned every phone call promptly. They were able to resolve this in a week’s time. The charges were dropped and my son was released. Mr. Pumphrey will always have my eternal gratitude. His knowledge, actions, and ability to resolve this quickly saved my son."
- "I couldn't have asked for a better law firm!"
- " I would highly recommend this firm if you want diligent, brilliant attorneys working for you. The proof is in his results!"
- "I would recommend him to anyone wanting a trustworthy, diligent, aggressive attorney that knows how to navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome."
- "Would recommend if looking for a law firm that is committed to every case and personal circumstance"
- "I would trust him with my case 10/10 times, A+ lawyer!"
- "He took his time with my case and made sure to get me the best results."
- "Today, my relative is no longer in the system, having to report on a weekly basis, graduated college & gone on with his carer, having avoided prison - Thanks to Don Pumphrey JR."
- "Without question, the best criminal defense attorney in Tallahassee."
- " I am very grateful for their help and would recommend contacting them for your legal troubles"
- "His dedication to his clients and office is remarkable."
- "Look no further and trust you child's case to Don Pumphrey. Please don't allow your child to settle for less. Kids will grow and learn but a bad legal decision will impact your child forever."
- ""Best Lawyer in Town""
Grand Theft Auto
There are several different types of theft crimes in Florida, but any theft of an automobile is charged as a felony criminal offense. This is true even in cases in which the allegedly stolen motor vehicle has a value that would ordinarily be considered petit theft.
This means that an alleged offender could be subject to a very lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines. Auto theft is a rampant problem in the Sunshine State, and prosecutors will vigorously pursue these types of criminal charges.
Tallahassee Grand Theft Auto Lawyer
If you were recently arrested in Northern Florida for allegedly stealing a motor vehicle, it is critical to find knowledgeable legal representation right away. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Pumphrey Law handle theft cases of all sizes and aggressively work to have these charges reduced or dismissed.
Our firm represents clients in the greater Tallahassee area and many other locations in the Florida Panhandle, including Freeport, Saint Marks, Bonifay, De Funiak Springs, and many more. We will provide a free, confidential consultation to review and discuss your case when you call (850) 681-7777.
Leon County Grand Theft Auto Information Center
- How are criminal charges determined in these cases?
- What are the possible sentences a person faces if convicted?
- Does an alleged offender have any legal defenses against these charges?
Grand Theft Auto Charges in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 320.01, a motor vehicle is defined as either:
- An automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle operated on the roads of this state, used to transport persons or property, and propelled by power other than muscular power, but the term does not include traction engines, road rollers, special mobile equipment, vehicles that run only upon a track, bicycles, swamp buggies, or mopeds.
- A recreational vehicle-type unit primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel use, which either has its own motive power or is mounted on or drawn by another vehicle. This includes travel trailers, camping trailers, truck campers, motor homes, private motor coaches, van conversions, park trailers, and fifth-wheel trailers.
The degree of grand theft depends on the value of the automobile that was allegedly stolen:
- $750 or more, but less than $20,000
Grand Theft in the Third Degree - $20,000 or more, but less than $100,000
Grand Theft in the Second Degree - $100,000 or more
Grand Theft in the First Degree
It is important to keep in mind that an alleged offender could also face additional criminal charges, depending on the circumstances under which the alleged theft occurred. If the alleged crime involved the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear while the alleged offender was taking a motor vehicle from another person, then that individual could be charged with the first-degree felony offense of carjacking.
Leon County Grand Theft Auto Penalties
The felony classification for this crime corresponds to the degree of grand theft:
- Grand Theft in the Third Degree
Third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fine of up to $5,000 - Grand Theft in the Second Degree
Second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000 - Grand Theft in the First Degree
First-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and fine of up to $10,000
Florida Grand Theft Auto Defenses
The prospect of facing felony charges can be extremely daunting, but a prosecutor still needs to prove an alleged offender’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Some the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or other defenses that the alleged offender could raise may include, but are not limited to:
- Claim of right (alleged offender had reasonable belief that vehicle belonged to him or her),
- Consent of automobile owner,
- False accusations,
- Lack of evidence,
- Mistaken identity, and
- No criminal intent to permanently deprive owner of vehicle.
Find A Grand Theft Auto Lawyer in Tallahassee
Did you get arrested and charged with grand theft for allegedly stealing an automobile in Northern Florida? You should immediately seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Tallahassee, FL.
The Pumphrey Law fights to protect the rights of clients all over Leon County as well as many nearby areas, including Wakulla County, Holmes County, Walton County, and Gadsden County. Call (850) 681-7777 right now to set up a free legal consultation that will let our firm review your case.
Article last updated March 3, 2021.
Don Pumphrey, Jr.
Attorney Don Pumphrey, Jr. is a former prosecutor, former law enforcement officer, and a successful and experienced criminal defense attorney. Don has achieved over 100 not guilty verdicts at trial and over 2,000 dismissals.
