Auto Theft Attorney in Panama City

Facing Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle? We Can Help

Being accused of stealing a vehicle can turn your life upside down in a matter of hours. You may be worried about jail, a permanent record, and how this will affect your family, job, or education. In this situation, you need clear information and a steady auto theft attorney in Panama City on your side.

At Shepard Law, we focus our practice on criminal defense and represent people charged with serious offenses, including auto theft. Our firm is based in Panama City and led by Rusty Shepard, a former prosecutor who now defends the accused.

Contact Shepard Law today to speak with an experienced auto theft attorney in Panama City. Call (850) 290-2505 or contact us online. We offer free consultations and a 24/7 emergency hotline so you can reach us when an arrest or investigation happens, not just during business hours.

Understanding Auto Theft Laws in Florida

In Florida, what many people call "auto theft" is legally prosecuted as Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle under Florida Statute § 812.014(2)(c)6. Under this law, the state does not distinguish between a high-end sports car and an older vehicle for the initial felony classification; if the property stolen is a motor vehicle, the crime is a felony of the third degree by default.

A "motor vehicle" is broadly defined under Florida law to include automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and even trailers. To secure a conviction, our firm knows that the prosecution must prove you knowingly obtained or used the vehicle with the specific intent to—either temporarily or permanently—deprive the owner of their right to the property.

Common situations that can lead to auto theft charges include:

• Borrowing a car and being accused of not returning it when the owner expected.
• Driving a vehicle that someone else allegedly stole, then being stopped by law enforcement.
• Disputes over ownership or permission between family members, friends, or former partners.
• Allegations of joyriding that are treated as theft under Florida law.
• Being identified by witnesses or cameras in a way you believe is mistaken.

As your Panama City auto theft lawyer, our firm meticulously reviews the specific charges to ensure you are not being overcharged for what may have been a simple mistake or a civil dispute.

The Degrees of Grand Theft

While the theft of any vehicle starts as a third-degree felony, the charge can be elevated based on the fair market value of the car or specific aggravating factors:

• Third-Degree Grand Theft: The standard charge for a motor vehicle valued at less than $20,000.
• Second-Degree Grand Theft: If the vehicle is valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000.
• First-Degree Grand Theft: If the vehicle is valued at $100,000 or more, or if it was used as an "instrumentality" to cause more than $1,000 in property damage during the crime.

It is important to note that auto theft in Florida is far different from Carjacking (F.S. § 812.133). This is a far more serious offense involving the use of force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear to take the vehicle. Unlike standard auto theft, carjacking is a first-degree felony.

Penalties of an Auto Theft Conviction in Florida

Because auto theft is a felony in Florida, the penalties are designed to be punitive. The degree of the felony—and the subsequent prison time—depends largely on the value of the vehicle and the circumstances of the arrest.

• Third-Degree Felony (Value under $20,000): This is the standard charge for most auto thefts. It carries a penalty of up to 5 years in state prison, 5 years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
• Second-Degree Felony (Value between $20,000 and $100,000): If the vehicle is a newer or luxury model, you could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• First-Degree Felony (Value over $100,000): The most serious tier, carrying up to 30 years in prison.
• Collateral Consequences in Bay County

A felony conviction for a "crime of dishonesty" like auto theft triggers several life-altering consequences:

• Driver's License Suspension: Under Florida Statute § 812.014(5), the court can suspend your driver's license for up to six months for a first offense and one year for subsequent offenses.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You will lose your right to vote, serve on a jury, and possess a firearm.
• Employment Barriers: Most employers in the Panama City area, especially those involving driving, delivery, or trust, will not hire someone with a felony theft conviction.
• Restitution: You will likely be ordered to pay the owner for any damage to the vehicle or for the full value if the car was not recovered.

What To Do After An Auto Theft Arrest in Panama City

The hours and days after an arrest for auto theft are often confusing and frightening. You might have been taken to the Bay County Jail, appeared before a judge for a first appearance, and given a bond or release conditions that are difficult to understand. In this moment, the choices you make can affect both your case and your daily life.

Helpful steps you can take right now include:

• Avoid talking about the facts of the case with anyone except your attorney.
• Gather any paperwork you received, including arrest reports, bond documents, and court notices.
• Write down your recollection of what happened while details are still fresh.
• Provide our team with names and contact information for any potential witnesses.
• Call our 24/7 hotline to schedule a free consultation and get specific guidance.

We know many clients have never been inside a criminal courtroom before this incident. Our role is to answer your questions, explain what is realistic, and help you feel less in the dark about what is happening. You can speak with us in confidence about your concerns, including how this could affect your family or your job, without being judged.

Why Choose Shepard Law

Choosing Shepard Law early can make a meaningful difference in how an auto theft case is handled. The firm combines local courtroom experience with a strong focus on protecting clients from the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. This approach is especially important for clients who want to preserve their future opportunities while their case is pending.

Founding attorney Rusty Shepard’s background as a former prosecutor provides valuable insight into how the State builds and evaluates theft cases. That experience allows the defense to anticipate prosecutorial strategies, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and recognize when negotiation or litigation may be most effective.

Based in Panama City, Shepard Law regularly appears in Bay County criminal courts and understands local procedures and expectations. The firm takes a client-centered approach, learning each client’s priorities and treating every case as trial-ready. This level of preparation supports informed decision-making and strengthens the defense at every stage of the case.

How We Defend Auto Theft Cases

We approach every auto theft case by closely examining the State’s evidence, including police reports, body-camera footage, vehicle records, and witness statements. Our focus is on identifying inconsistencies, legal flaws, or missing proof, particularly around intent. Prosecutors must usually show you intended to steal the vehicle, and we investigate issues like permission, misunderstandings, or mistaken identification that may undermine their case.

With experience on the prosecution side, we anticipate how the State evaluates evidence and use that insight to guide negotiations, motions, or trial decisions. When the evidence is challenging, we also explore options such as reduced charges or diversion to limit long-term consequences. If a case moves toward trial, we prepare thoroughly, knowing that strong preparation often leads to better outcomes, even before a jury is selected.

At Shepard Law, we do not just accept the police report as fact. We conduct our own thorough investigation into the circumstances of your case. Our defense strategies often include:

• Consent Defense: We look for evidence—such as text messages or witness statements—showing the owner gave you permission to use the car, even if they later changed their mind or "forgot" they authorized its use.
• Mistake of Fact: If you reasonably believed you were entering your own car (a common occurrence with similar make/model vehicles and keyless entries), we argue there was no intent to steal.
• Challenging Possession: Merely being a passenger in a stolen car does not automatically make you guilty of theft. We fight to prove that you had no knowledge the vehicle was stolen.
• Suppression of Evidence: If the police used aggressive tactics or violated your Miranda rights during questioning, we move to have your statements thrown out.

Talk To Our Defense Team

Auto theft charges can put your freedom, finances, and future opportunities at risk, but you do not have to handle them on your own. By contacting our defense team, you gain a guide who understands Florida criminal law and the Bay County court system and who is focused on protecting your rights at every stage.

To speak with an auto theft lawyer in Panama City and learn how we can help, call (850) 290-2505 or fill out this online form now.