Auto Theft Defense in Rancho Cucamonga

Facing Vehicle Code 10851 or Grand Theft Auto Charges? Act Now.

An accusation that you took or drove a vehicle without permission raises immediate questions: who possessed it, whether the owner consented, what you intended, and what evidence connects you to the alleged conduct. We defend people facing these charges in Rancho Cucamonga and throughout Southern California.

Don’t discuss the facts with investigators, the owner, witnesses, or other involved parties before getting legal advice. Statements, messages, surveillance footage, records, and evidence recovered during a search can all shape the prosecution’s case.

Call (909) 658-7341 now to discuss the accusation with our criminal defense attorneys before answering further questions or appearing in court.

Two California Charges Commonly Called Auto Theft

California uses several offenses for conduct commonly described as auto theft. An accusation may involve unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle under Vehicle Code 10851, grand theft auto under Penal Code 487(d), or related charges based on possession and the surrounding events.

Vehicle Code 10851

Vehicle Code 10851 applies when someone drives or takes another person’s vehicle without the owner’s consent and intends to deprive the owner of title or possession, either permanently or temporarily. Although sometimes described as joyriding, this offense isn’t limited to brief or temporary use.

Penal Code 487(d)

Penal Code 487(d) defines grand theft to include the theft of an automobile. The distinction between this charge and Vehicle Code 10851 can turn on the alleged conduct, evidence of criminal intent, and the prosecution’s theory of the taking or driving.

Related allegations may include receiving or possessing a stolen vehicle, conspiracy, or offenses tied to events before or after the alleged taking. We review the charging documents and underlying evidence rather than treating every accusation as the same case.

Possible Penalties & Lasting Consequences

The potential sentence depends on the charged statute, whether the offense is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony, the alleged conduct, prior convictions, and any additional counts or enhancements. A Vehicle Code 10851 conviction may result in incarceration, a fine, or both. The consequences of grand theft auto likewise depend on the classification and facts of the charge.

A conviction may also create a criminal record that affects employment, housing, professional licensing, immigration, or work involving vehicles. Because no single penalty applies automatically, the charges, prior history, and prosecution’s evidence must be evaluated individually.

Defense Issues: Consent, Intent, Identity, & Evidence

A defense starts with what the prosecution can prove, not simply where the vehicle was found. We conduct an independent investigation, compare the allegations with the available evidence, and determine whether officers followed required legal procedures.

Important defense issues may include:

• Consent or permission: Whether the owner authorized the use or you reasonably believed you had permission.
• Required intent: Whether the evidence establishes an intent to deprive the owner of possession permanently or temporarily under the charged law.
• Mistaken identity: Whether witness accounts, surveillance footage, or other identification evidence reliably connect you to the alleged conduct.
• Insufficient evidence: Whether records, digital communications, physical evidence, and witness statements prove every required element.
• Searches and statements: Whether police obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure or violated your rights during an interrogation.

The appropriate strategy depends on the police reports, recordings, charging documents, physical and digital evidence, and your account of what happened. We also examine how the vehicle was recovered and whether the reported timeline matches the evidence.

What Happens in a San Bernardino County Criminal Case

A case may begin with an investigation, arrest, citation, or prosecutor’s decision to file charges. Matters within the local jurisdiction may proceed through the Rancho Cucamonga District of the San Bernardino Superior Court.

Preparing a defense can involve:

• Reviewing the complaint, police reports, recordings, and evidence provided by the prosecution.
• Addressing the charges and entering a plea at arraignment under the applicable court procedure.
• Investigating witnesses and identifying conflicts or gaps in the prosecution’s account.
• Evaluating motions involving searches, seizures, statements, or other disputed evidence.
• Negotiating with prosecutors and preparing for trial when necessary.

Direct Access to an Experienced Criminal Defense Team

Kirk Tarman brings over 25 years of experience defending clients in misdemeanor and felony cases. He personally oversees cases with support from our legal team, explains the available options, and represents clients before judges and juries.

Our practice is dedicated to criminal defense, including misdemeanor and felony theft charges. Clients work directly with our attorneys and receive an approach tailored to the allegations and evidence in their case.

Spanish-language assistance is available, and calls are answered 24/7. We also offer payment-plan options, allowing you to discuss an arrangement with our team rather than assume representation is out of reach.

Get Advice Before Your Next Court Date

If you’re under investigation or have already been charged, contact us before speaking further with investigators or appearing in court. During a free consultation, we can discuss the charge, your upcoming court date, concerns about the evidence, and the immediate decisions you face.

Call (909) 658-7341 24/7 to speak with The Law Offices of Kirk Tarman & Associates about an unlawful taking or driving of a vehicle or grand theft auto charge.