Bakersfield Auto Theft Defense Lawyer

Facing Auto Theft Charges in Bakersfield, CA?

If you or a loved one is facing auto theft charges in Bakersfield, you must act quickly. Auto theft is a serious crime in California, and a conviction can lead to hefty fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. At Humphrey & Thompson, our experienced Bakersfield auto theft defense attorneys are committed to protecting your rights, exploring every legal option available, and working toward the best possible outcome in your case.

Whether you’ve been wrongfully accused or made a mistake, you deserve a strong and strategic defense. Learn more about how California law treats auto theft, the penalties involved, possible defenses, and how we can help you fight back.

Call or contact us online today for a confidential consultation and let us start building your defense.

What is Considered Auto Theft?

In California, auto theft can be charged under several different statutes, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime:

• Grand Theft Auto (Penal Code §487(d)(1)): This is the most commonly charged form of auto theft. Grand theft auto occurs when someone unlawfully takes a vehicle valued at more than $950 with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. This is typically charged as a felony.
• Joyriding (Vehicle Code §10851): Joyriding involves taking or driving someone else’s vehicle without permission, but without the intent to keep it permanently. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the facts and the defendant’s criminal history.
• Carjacking (Penal Code §215): Carjacking is a violent felony involving the forceful or threatening taking of a vehicle from someone’s immediate possession. This is a serious strike offense under California's Three Strikes Law.
• Receiving a Stolen Vehicle (Penal Code §496d): You may also be charged if you knowingly purchase, possess, or sell a stolen vehicle—even if you didn’t steal it yourself.

Penalties for Auto Theft in California

The penalties for auto theft vary widely based on the specific charge, prior convictions, the value of the vehicle, and whether any aggravating factors were present.

Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

• Felony conviction
• 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Probation, restitution, and community service

Joyriding

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail
• Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in prison

Penalties may increase if the vehicle belongs to a public agency (e.g., police or ambulance)

Carjacking

• Felony only
• 3 to 9 years in state prison
• Considered a "strike" offense
• Additional time if a weapon was used or someone was injured

Receiving a Stolen Vehicle

• Felony or misdemeanor
• Up to 3 years in prison
• Fines and restitution to the victim

Because of California’s sentencing laws and enhancements for prior convictions or use of weapons, your case could escalate quickly. A proactive legal defense is essential to protect your future.

Legal Defenses to Auto Theft Charges

At Humphrey & Thompson, we build strong defenses tailored to the specifics of each case. Possible defenses to auto theft charges may include:

• Lack of Intent: If you didn’t intend to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, you might not be guilty of grand theft auto. Intent is a key element the prosecution must prove.
• Consent: If you had permission to use the vehicle—or reasonably believed you did—this could be a valid defense. Disputes over consent often arise in cases involving family members, friends, or co-workers.
• Mistaken Identity: Auto theft charges sometimes arise from mistaken identity or false accusations. We can challenge the credibility of witnesses or question the validity of surveillance footage or forensic evidence.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights while investigating or arresting you, key evidence may be suppressed, which could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
• Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution cannot prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the case may not hold up in court. Our team will thoroughly review the facts and evidence to find weaknesses in the case against you.

Auto Theft FAQs

Is auto theft a felony in California?

Most auto theft crimes—especially grand theft auto and carjacking—are charged as felonies. However, lesser offenses like joyriding may be charged as misdemeanors in certain situations.

Can I go to jail for borrowing someone’s car without asking?

Yes. Even if you intended to return it, you can be charged with joyriding. The prosecution only needs to prove that you used the vehicle without the owner’s permission.

What if I didn’t know the car was stolen?

If you were unaware the vehicle was stolen, this could be a viable defense. The prosecution must prove that you knew the car was stolen when you took possession of it.

Will I lose my driver’s license if I’m convicted of auto theft?

Auto theft charges typically don’t carry mandatory license suspension. However, the court may impose restrictions or DMV penalties depending on the circumstances.

Can auto theft charges be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, with our Bakersfield auto theft defense attorney on your side, charges can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely—especially if it’s a first offense or the case involves weak evidence.

Reach out to us at for a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.