Los Angeles, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: can the police arrest me for grand theft auto when im only guilty of moving the vehicle

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2 Lawyer Answers
Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: it will depend on the facts of the case.

more info needed.

did you move it from the home of the Victim?

how far?

did you have a key?

did you know the V?

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

David Stephen Kestenbaum
David Stephen Kestenbaum
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Van Nuys, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The short answer is yes, they can arrest you. That doesn't mean the DA will file charges as it all depends upon the facts of the case. For instance if your "friend" asked you to help him and gave you a screw driver to start the car, there would be circumstantial evidence that you knew it was stolen since no key was present.

Without going through all the possible scenarios, if you are contacted by the police or arrested, make NO STATEMENTS to the police without your lawyer being present. If you can't afford a private attorney, you will have to wait until a case is filed to get the PD appointed at your arraignment.

Have you moved a car and been contacted by the police already?

Good luck!

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