Auto Theft Attorney In Temecula

Facing An Auto Theft Charge In Riverside County

If you are dealing with an auto theft arrest or investigation in or around Temecula, you are facing a serious California criminal charge. A conviction can bring jail time, long-term probation, and a theft record that follows you into jobs and background checks.

I am Attorney David Grande. I have focused my law practice on criminal defense in California since 2002, and I have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers since 2013. I represent people accused of crimes in Riverside County courts, and I work to protect their rights at every stage. If you have been accused of taking or being involved with a stolen vehicle, you do not have to sort this out alone. You can speak with me directly in a confidential, no-cost consultation so you understand the charges, the possible consequences, and the options available in your case.

Call (951) 221-4331 today to setup a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why My Auto Theft Clients Call Me

When someone contacts me after an arrest for vehicle theft, they are usually scared about what will happen in court and how this will affect their future. My entire career has been devoted to criminal defense, so every day I am dealing with charges brought by prosecutors and police, not other types of legal work. This focus allows me to stay current on how theft cases are handled in California and Riverside County.

Since 2013, I have been included in The National Trial Lawyers list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. That recognition reflects many years spent preparing cases for trial and standing in front of juries. In auto theft cases, prosecutors know which attorneys are prepared to challenge their evidence, and that can affect how they approach negotiations. For people in Temecula, it also matters that I regularly appear in Riverside County criminal courts. Cases from this area often go to the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. I am familiar with local judges, district attorneys, and the way these courts schedule and handle cases, and I use that knowledge to tailor strategies to each client’s situation.

Every auto theft case has its own facts. Some involve misunderstandings about permission to use a vehicle. Others involve being linked to a car that was taken earlier by someone else. I take the time to listen to how you ended up in this situation, review the reports and evidence, and develop a defense approach that fits your circumstances rather than forcing your case into a single model.

Auto Theft Charges & Consequences

California law treats vehicle theft and related offenses seriously, and the exact charge filed can make a big difference in potential punishment. The law distinguishes between taking or driving a vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, and temporary use offenses, often called joyriding. The wording of your complaint will point to which type the prosecutor believes fits your case.

Some auto theft offenses can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts and your record. Factors can include the value of the vehicle, whether force, threats, or a break-in were involved, and whether you have prior theft or similar convictions. A felony vehicle theft charge in Riverside County can place you at risk of time in county jail or state prison. Even when a case stays in misdemeanor territory, the consequences can still be serious. Courts can order up to a year in county jail, probation with strict terms, fines, and restitution for any damage or loss. A theft-related conviction also appears on your record in a way that many employers and licensing boards view negatively, and for non-citizens, it can raise immigration concerns.

Judges at the Southwest Justice Center generally look at multiple things when deciding on a sentence, including your prior record, whether the vehicle was recovered, any damage involved, and how you conduct yourself during the case. Part of my job is to help you understand what the specific charge and your background might mean in the context of Riverside County practice, then to work to improve your position whenever possible.

Defending Auto Theft Cases In Riverside County

Auto theft cases often turn on details that do not show up clearly in the first report. Many cases arise from situations where someone borrowed a car and did not return it on time, or where family members or acquaintances disagree later about whether permission was given. In other situations, the main evidence is that you were found driving or sitting in a vehicle that was reported stolen earlier.

In order to convict, prosecutors generally must prove that you took or drove the vehicle without the owner’s consent and with the required criminal intent. That can open the door to several defense themes. For example, there may be a real dispute about permission or ownership, or witnesses may be mistaken about who they saw with the vehicle. Sometimes the evidence only shows presence near or in a car, not that you were the one who actually took it.

Police investigations in vehicle theft cases often rely heavily on reports, dispatch logs, body camera video, and statements from owners and witnesses. I carefully review those materials, looking for gaps, inconsistencies, or assumptions that can be challenged. Surveillance video, phone records, and physical evidence can also be important. In some cases, exploring whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during stops, searches, or interrogations can reveal constitutional issues that affect how evidence may be used.

How an auto theft case is resolved in Riverside County can range from dismissal of charges to reduced charges, diversion-type outcomes, or negotiated pleas with agreed-upon sentencing recommendations. The direction of a case usually depends on a mix of the underlying facts, your prior record, the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, and how early defense issues are raised. Because I regularly handle cases at the Southwest Justice Center, I understand how local prosecutors tend to evaluate these factors, and I work to present information that can improve your options.

What To Do After An Auto Theft Arrest

If you or a loved one has just been arrested or contacted about an auto theft allegation, the next steps you take can affect both the strength of the case and the stress you experience. People often feel pressure to explain themselves to officers or investigators, hoping it will clear things up. Doing so without legal advice can create statements that are difficult to undo later.

The paperwork you receive at release, such as a citation or notice to appear, should list a court date and location. Cases from Temecula are commonly set at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. Missing that first appearance can lead to a warrant and additional complications, so it is important to keep track of the date and bring the documents to your consultation.

After an auto theft arrest, some practical steps can help protect you:

• Try not to discuss the facts of the case with police, alleged victims, or other involved people until you have legal advice.
• Keep all documents you receive, including impound or tow notices, and any paperwork related to the vehicle.
• Write down what you remember about events, witnesses, and conversations while details are still fresh.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney who handles auto theft cases in Riverside County as soon as you can.

When you contact my office, I use the initial consultation to review your paperwork, listen to your account, and explain what to expect at the first court date. My goal is to reduce the uncertainty you are facing and to start building a plan that fits the facts and your priorities.

How I Handle Your Auto Theft Case

From the first conversation, I focus on giving you a clear picture of where your case stands and what can realistically be done. During our initial meeting, I review any police reports or charging documents that are available, and I ask detailed questions about what led up to the arrest. I want to understand both the legal issues and how this case is affecting your life and family.

Auto theft cases in Riverside County usually move through several stages. The process often begins with an arraignment at the Southwest Justice Center, where the judge will tell you the formal charges and take your plea. Later hearings involve exchanging evidence, discussing possible resolutions with the prosecutor, and deciding whether to resolve the case by agreement or set it for trial. I walk you through each stage in advance so you know what will happen before you step into the courtroom.

Throughout the case, my clients work directly with me, not through layers of staff. I explain the evidence the prosecution has provided, point out where I see strengths and weaknesses, and discuss potential strategies in plain language. Together, we talk openly about your priorities, such as avoiding a felony conviction, limiting custody time, or protecting immigration or licensing interests, and I shape my approach around those goals.

My history of achieving favorable results in negotiations and in contested hearings is grounded in careful preparation and an honest assessment of each case. I never promise a specific outcome, because too many factors are outside any attorney’s control, including the facts, your record, and the assigned judge and prosecutor. What I can offer is long-term criminal defense experience, recognition as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer, and a commitment to putting that experience to work on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for auto theft?

Jail is possible in auto theft cases, especially when charges are filed as felonies or when there is a prior record. The actual outcome depends on the facts, your history, and how the case is presented. My role is to evaluate your situation and work to reduce the risk of custody whenever possible.

How soon should I call you after the arrest?

It is best to contact a defense lawyer as soon as you learn about an investigation or are arrested. Early advice can help you avoid harmful statements and prepare for the first court date. When you call my office, I schedule a no-cost consultation as promptly as my calendar allows.

How does your Riverside County experience help me?

Regularly appearing in Riverside County criminal courts means I know local procedures, courthouse expectations, and common approaches to auto theft cases. That familiarity helps me anticipate issues and present information in ways local judges and prosecutors are used to seeing. It can make the process more predictable for you.

What happens in the free consultation?

During the free consultation, I review any documents you have, listen to your account of what happened, and outline the charges and possible consequences. I also explain the court process and answer your questions. The goal is for you to leave the conversation better informed, without pressure to make decisions on the spot.

Can a prior record affect my auto theft case?

Yes, prior convictions, especially for theft or similar offenses, can influence how prosecutors charge the case and what sentences judges consider. A record can affect whether a case is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. I review your history carefully and explain how it may play into negotiations and strategy.

Talk With Me About Your Case

If you are facing an auto theft accusation in the Temecula area, you do not have to navigate Riverside County’s criminal courts on your own. By speaking directly with an attorney who has focused on criminal defense since 2002, you can start to replace confusion with a clearer plan.

In our first conversation, I will listen to your concerns, review what is known so far, and explain how cases like yours typically move through the Southwest Justice Center. There is no cost for this consultation, and there is no obligation to hire me afterward. You will have the chance to ask questions and decide what feels right for you. When you are ready to talk about your situation with an experienced auto theft lawyer that Temecula clients can turn to for guidance, you can reach me directly.

Call (951) 221-4331 to schedule your confidential consultation with The Law Office of David E Grande. Contact us online to schedule an appointment and learn more.