A violation of Vehicle Code Section 10851 is commonly referred to as Grand Theft Auto, or GTA.
Often times, California prosecutors will in addition to charging a defendant with Vehicle Code Section 10851 will also charge the accused with a violation of Penal Code 496; Possession of Stolen Property or Penal Code Section 666.5; Grand theft auto with a prior grand theft auto or any other theft crime conviction.  While, both Vehicle Code Section 10851 and Penal Code section 496 are deemed “wobbler” offenses in California, a violation of Penal Code section 666.5 is not a “wobbler” and therefore can not be reduced to a misdemeanor.

A “wobbler” offense can be charged as either felony or misdemeanor. A experienced defense attorney will attempt to reduced a felony grand theft auto charge to a misdemeanor upon filing a motion pursuant to Penal Code section 17(b). If you have been charged with grand theft auto in Los Angeles, call The Manuelian Law Firm today for a free consultation. R.J. Manuelian is a well-reputed Los Angeles criminal defense attorney  that has defended clients facing grand theft auto charges.