Skip to Content
ATTORNEYS ON CALL 24/7 727-592-5885
Top
Auto Theft Burglaryofa Conveyance DEFENDERS of Your Rights. Your Life. Your Future.

Auto Theft / Burglary of a Conveyance

Crimes involving motor vehicles are exceptionally common in the Sunshine State, and many offenses are aggressively prosecuted. Whether an alleged offender has stolen something in a vehicle or stolen the actual automobile, he or she will likely be charged with a felony offense.

There is a multitude of complicating factors in these cases that can further impact sentencing, but people accused of these types of crimes often face very stiff consequences. If convicted, alleged offenders not only face the possibility of having to serve several years in a state prison but could also be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines.

St. Petersburg Grand Theft Auto Lawyer

If you have been arrested for allegedly stealing a motor vehicle or breaking into an automobile, you should not delay in finding legal representation. Having previously served as a felony prosecutor in the State Attorney’s Office, Melinda Morris understands every facet of these kinds of cases.

Our Pinellas County auto theft attorneys at Morris Law Firm, P.A. fight to protect the rights of people facing these charges in communities throughout Pasco County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and Hillsborough County as well as the Pinellas peninsula. You can receive a complete review of your case in which our firm will help you understand your options and answer all of your legal questions when you call (727) 592-5885 for a free consultation.

Florida Auto Theft Information Center

Burglary of a Conveyance in Pinellas County

Under Florida law, a conveyance is defined as any motor vehicle, ship, vessel, railroad vehicle or car, trailer, aircraft, or sleeping car. This form of burglary is committed when an alleged offender enters or remains in a conveyance with the intent to commit an offense therein.

While intent is traditionally a difficult aspect for prosecutors to prove, the burden is somewhat lessened by Florida Statute § 810.07. This statute states that in cases of burglary or attempted burglary, proof of the entering of such conveyance “at any time stealthily and without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof is prima facie evidence of entering with intent to commit an offense.”

People are generally charged with this crime when they allegedly break into automobiles to steal purses, stereos, or other valuable property. The classification of this crime depends on whether there is a person inside the motor vehicle at the time of the offense.

  • If there is not another person in the conveyance at the time the offender enters or remains, this is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000; or
  • If there is another person in the conveyance at the time the offender enters or remains, this is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Grand Theft Auto in Florida

Knowingly obtaining, using, or endeavoring to obtain or to use the property of another party with the intent to either temporarily or permanently deprive the other party of a right to the property or a benefit from the property, or appropriate the property to the use of any person not entitled to the use of the property constitutes theft in Florida. When the property stolen is a motor vehicle, this crime is considered grand theft.

The grade of the grand theft auto offense will depend on the value of the motor vehicle that was allegedly stolen:

  • If the vehicle is valued at less than $20,000, this is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000;
  • If the vehicle is valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000, this is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or
  • If the vehicle is valued at more than $100,000, this is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Pinellas County Carjacking Charges

Unlike burglary of a conveyance or grand theft auto charges that rarely involve motor vehicles being occupied, the crime of carjacking is taken very seriously by prosecutors because the alleged victims were present in the automobiles being taken and the alleged offender used force, violence, assault, or putting fear into the alleged victim when committing the crime.

Generally, under Florida Statute § 812.133, this criminal offense is graded as follows:

  • If in the course of committing this crime the alleged offender carried no firearm, deadly weapon, or other weapon, this is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
  • If in the course of committing this crime the alleged offender carried a firearm or other deadly weapon, this is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

It is important to understand that alleged offenders can face other criminal charges in addition to the offense of carjacking, depending on the harm done to the alleged victim. If the alleged victim remains in the automobile during a carjacking, an alleged offender could be charged with kidnapping. An alleged offender could also be charged with aggravated assault and/or battery if the alleged victim suffers any injuries, but the death of an alleged victim can result in the capital offense of murder.

Find a Burglary of a Conveyance Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Have you been accused of breaking into or stealing an automobile in Florida? It is critical that you immediately seek legal counsel in order to begin developing the strongest possible legal defense.

Morris Law Firm, P.A. represents clients in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and many surrounding areas. Call (727) 592-5885 right now to arrange a free, confidential consultation that will let our Pinellas County auto theft attorneys review your case.

Meet The Attorneys Melinda Morris & Seth Shapiro

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

See the Difference Our Service Provides
  • FORMER STATE PROSECUTOR
    Melinda Morris is a former prosecutor and has handled thousands of criminal cases from investigation through sentencing enabling us to identify weaknesses in the State’s case against you.
  • STRATEGICALLY AGGRESSIVE
    We never settle for the easiest outcome or the typical result. We know how to negotiate with the State Attorney and we will work to get you the best possible outcome.
  • TRUSTED & EXPERIENCED
    Melinda Morris has practiced criminal law for over 20 years. Our clients trust advice that comes from experience in nearly every type of criminal case.
  • PERSONAL ATTENTION
    We will know every client’s story because we will take the time to listen and understand. You will work with your attorney one-on-one at every stage of the process.
  • PROMPT COMMUNICATION
    You will have the cell phone number of your attorney. Your attorney will directly return your call, email, or text to answer your pressing questions.
  • SAME DAY REPRESENTATION
    The government is wasting no time in trying to prove your guilt, a proactive defense is imperative. Prompt and decisive action from your defense attorney is of critical importance.

CLient Testimonials

Hear From Real People We've Helped

At Morris Law Firm, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Look no further than Morris Law"
    Seth Shapiro is the most professional, courteous, caring attorneys I’ve dealt with in all of my 70 years. He did a fabulous job representing me defending me and getting charges dropped. I couldn’t have dreamed of better counsel.
    - Stephen on AVVO
    "100% satisfied with Morris Law Group."
    100% satisfied with Morris law group. Melinda was able to resolve my legal issues with no additional expenses other than my original retainer. I highly recommend this firm for professional and competent representation.
    - Peter R. on Yelp
    "Best legal representation"
    If you want the best legal representation, look no further than Morris law firm. Melinda reassured me from the very first time we spoke over the phone. She is very professional and keeps you updated on the progress of your case. I really liked that I didn’t have to reach out to her Everything was smooth, straightforward and she put my mind at ease. You’ll be in good hands with her. Thank you Melinda
    - Hassan on Google
    "Thanks to The Morris Law Firm"
    Mr.Shapiro helped my case by looking at the police body cam diligently which supported my testimony . He presented evidence to the prosecutor .I hired Seth Shapiro to defend me after a domestic battery charge in which I was wrongfully accused and arrested. My case was dismissed thankfully. .Couldn't have asked for a better outcome. This was an extreme difficult time for me. Seth Shapiro was knowledgeable and compassionate in my case. He followed up with my concerns. I would highly recommend this firm.
    - Melody Z.
    "Goes above and beyond"
    Melinda has represented me on numerous cases and the outcome has always been great. Melinda goes above and beyond to defend your rights and get you the best possible outcome. I highly recommend hiring her.
    - Shasta on Google
    "They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful."
    Morris Law Firm is a very professional and responsive. They closed my case in a very short terms, for what I'm very grateful. Strongly recommend them especially Seth Shapiro. He decreased my case from felony to misdemeanor in short terms and during 6 months my case was totally closed.
    - Elina P. on Google