Rockstar Games' release of the popular video game Grand Theft Auto IV set sales records earlier this year, easily topping first week sales of Halo 3, which had pulled in $300 million during the first seven days of its release. Variety called the international launch of Grand Theft Auto IV last April the most lucrative game debut in entertainment history, surpassing even Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End which earned a record $404 million in first-week sales last year.
Worldwide sales in the multi-millions have made Grand Theft Auto the world's most popular game. Despite its popularity, the game series has been widely criticized for glorifying and possibly promoting crime. Many have condemned the action-driving series for its excessive profanity, sex and violence. And even though the game is rated Mature for players 17 and 0lder, many younger gamers have taken it out for a spin. Some psychologists worry that impressionable young people may not be able to separate the excitement of the game from the danger of committing the crime in real life.
When you strip away the glitz and glam, grand theft auto is a dangerous, gritty crime with serious consequences. Grand theft auto is the taking, stealing or driving of someone's care with the intent to deprive them of it. In California, grand theft auto can be charged if the stolen vehicle is worth more than $400. In certain cases where there are no prior convictions, grand theft auto is sometimes charged as a misdemeanor which usually involves, restitution, fines, community service, 3 years of informal probation and up to a year in the county jail. However, grand theft auto is usually charged as a felony with a penalty of 2 to 3 years in state prison and formal probation or a 3-year parole. Multiple convictions for grand theft auto cause jail sentences to increase under California's tough Three Strikes Law.
Police need only cite "probable cause" to arrest someone for grand theft auto. Probable cause is the reasonable suspicion that a person has, is or will be committing a crime based on facts or circumstances. However, conviction of grand theft auto is much more difficult. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The accused drove or took the vehicle.
- The vehicle wasn't owned by the accused.
- The vehicle was taken without the owner's consent.
- The vehicle was taken with the intent to deprive the owner of it.
