Auto Theft Attorney in Corpus Christi

Facing A Theft of a Motor Vehicle Charge? Call (361) 309-9332 to Speak with Robert J. Gonzalez

If you or someone you care about has been accused of stealing a car, you are probably worried about jail, your job, and your future. As an auto theft attorney in Corpus Christi, I know how fast these cases can move and how overwhelming they can feel.

A theft of a motor vehicle charge is more than a traffic ticket. It is a criminal accusation that can affect your record, your driver’s license, and your reputation. You may already have court dates scheduled, paperwork you do not fully understand, and calls from law enforcement or bondsmen.

My name is Robert J. Gonzalez. I have represented people in criminal courts in this community since 1984, and I previously served as a Municipal Court Judge. My goal is to provide steady, informed representation so you know what is happening at every step of your case.

Before you make a statement to the police, talk to a Corpus Christi theft of a motor vehicle lawyer. Call Robert J. Gonzalez, Attorney At Law at (361) 309-9332 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. As a family-owned law firm, we prioritize your future and your freedom.

Understanding Theft of a Motor Vehicle Laws in Texas

Texas law does not have a standalone "Grand Theft Auto" statute like some other states; instead, vehicle theft falls under the general theft provisions of Texas Penal Code § 31.03. To be convicted of theft, the state must prove that you unlawfully appropriated a vehicle with the specific intent to deprive the owner of that property. However, prosecutors frequently use a related but distinct charge: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) under Texas Penal Code § 31.07.

It is vital to distinguish between these two offenses, as the legal strategies required for each can vary:

• Theft of a Motor Vehicle: This requires proof of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. If you took a car and attempted to sell it, strip it for parts, or hide it indefinitely, you will likely face this charge. The severity of the penalty is determined by the monetary value of the vehicle.
• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV): Also known as "joyriding," this charge applies if you intentionally or knowingly operate someone else’s vehicle without their effective consent. Crucially, the prosecution does not have to prove you intended to keep the car forever—only that you drove it without permission.
• Burglary of a Vehicle: If the allegation involves breaking into a car to steal items inside (rather than taking the car itself), it is charged under § 30.04 as a Class A Misdemeanor.

As a Corpus Christi theft of a motor vehicle lawyer, I often find that these cases involve complex relationships, such as "borrowed" cars among family members or disputes over vehicle titles in private sales. I look for the gaps in the state’s evidence to show that "effective consent" existed or that there was no criminal intent involved.

Penalties for Theft of a Motor Vehicle in Texas

The penalties for motor vehicle crimes in Texas are tiered, primarily based on the value of the vehicle and the specific statute applied.

Criminal Sentencing Guidelines

• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV): This is a State Jail Felony regardless of the car’s value. It carries a punishment of 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Theft (Value $2,500 to $30,000): This is also a State Jail Felony.
• Theft (Value $30,000 to $150,000): Most modern SUVs and luxury cars fall into this category, making it a Third-Degree Felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in a Texas prison.
• Theft (Value over $150,000): This escalates to a Second-Degree Felony, which can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment.

Collateral Consequences

A felony conviction for a "crime of moral turpitude" like theft can follow you for a lifetime. Beyond the immediate penalties, a conviction for a theft-related offense can create long-term challenges. Potential employers, landlords, and licensing boards may see a theft record as a sign of dishonesty, even when the situation was more complicated than it appears on paper. Some clients also face higher insurance costs and restrictions on certain types of work.

Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the facts, the law that applies, and how the evidence is presented. Part of my work as an auto theft lawyer in Corpus Christi is to review which charges have actually been filed, how strong the state’s evidence appears, and what realistic options exist for moving forward.

Why Clients Turn To My Practice

When someone calls my office about an auto theft accusation, they are often scared, embarrassed, and unsure where to begin. They want an attorney who understands both the law and the way cases actually move through the courts in Nueces County and the surrounding area. That is where my background becomes important.

I have practiced law here since 1984. Over those decades, I have appeared in local courts many times and have seen how prosecutors and judges tend to approach different types of cases, including theft-related charges. My prior service as a Municipal Court Judge gave me insight into how evidence is evaluated and how decisions are made in a courtroom.

In my criminal defense practice, I take a hands-on, client-centered approach. When you hire me, you work directly with me, not with a rotating group of unfamiliar lawyers. I take time to listen to your side of the story, review your paperwork, and explain what each hearing is about. My goal is to give you peace of mind by making the process understandable and by standing beside you in court.

How I Defend Auto Theft Cases in Corpus Christi

No two auto theft cases are the same, so I do not treat them that way. When I take on a case, I start by carefully reviewing the arrest reports, any video or audio recordings that may be available, and information from you about what really happened. I look for gaps in the story presented by law enforcement and for any signs that your rights may not have been fully respected.

Many vehicle theft cases turn on questions such as who actually owned the car, whether you had permission to use it, or whether the person identifying you as the driver is reliable. In some situations, there are misunderstandings about borrowed vehicles or disputes within families or workplaces. In others, the issue may be whether the police had enough reason to stop or detain you in the first place.

When you trust me with your case, I employ a multi-faceted strategy:

• Establishing "Claim of Right": If you believed you had a legal claim to the vehicle (for example, you paid for it, but the seller didn't hand over the title), I can argue that there was no criminal intent.
• Challenging the Valuation: Since theft penalties are based on value, the state often uses "replacement cost" instead of "fair market value." I work to accurately value the vehicle, which can often drop a Third-Degree Felony down to a State Jail Felony or a Misdemeanor.
• The Consent Defense: I look for text messages, emails, or witness testimony showing a history of shared vehicle use. If the owner gave you the keys once, it creates a "gray area" that I can use to create reasonable doubt.
• Suppression of Evidence: If the police searched a garage or a backyard without a warrant to find the vehicle, I will fight to have that evidence thrown out of court.

Communication is a key part of any defense. As a car theft attorney in Corpus Christi, I explain the choices that may be available to you, whether that involves negotiating with the state, filing certain motions, or preparing for trial. I give honest feedback about risks and potential outcomes, and I work to find a path that takes both the law and your long-term goals into account.

An auto theft charge is too serious to handle alone. Contact a theft of a motor vehicle attorney in Corpus Christi at (361) 309-9332 or reach out online for a free consultation. Put my more than 3 decades of experience to work for you.