According to a recent study, motor vehicle thefts in California occur at a rate of double the national average. Motor vehicle related thefts are one of the most common charges filed against a defendant in California.

California Vehicle Code Section 10851, states that “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 theft of a motor vehicle.

A felony conviction under California Vehicle Code Section 10851 may result in up to one year in state prison or by a fine up to five thousand dollars, or by both the fine and imprisonment. In addition the imprisonment and fines, a person convicted of a motor vehicle theft, also faces a suspension or revocation of their driving privileges.

Under California law, the court may impose a suspension or revocation for a person convicted of theft of a motor vehicle. A conviction allows the court to impose an open-ended license suspension or revocation, with no specified ending date. The California Courts have the power to suspend or revoke a person’s driving privileges indefinitely. If you are required to drive to and from work or school, it is imperative that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Hiring an experienced criminal defense law firm can greatly increase your chances of keeping your license. The attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been helping people keep their license for over 30 years.

Please feel free to contact Wallin & Klarich to discuss your case. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 877-466-5245 or go to our website at www.wklaw.com for more information.