Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

California topped the charts again this year, first in the nation in car thefts. In the 2008 National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report released today, vehicle thefts declined for the fifth straight year in the U.S., except in California and a few other states. The report noted that the majority of increased car thefts occurred in states that border Mexico.

California cities took 6 of the top 10 rankings in cars stolen in 2008, earning the state the dubious distinction of being No. 1 in total auto thefts. Here's the NICB list:

1. Modesto, CA (also first in 2007)


2. Laredo, TX


3. Yakima, WA


4. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA


5. Bakersfield, CA


6. Stockton, CA


7. Las Vegas/Paradis, NV


8. Albuquerque, NM


9. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA


10. Fesno, CA

Stealing a car, called Grand Theft Auto, is a serious crime in California. For grand theft auto to be charged, the vehicle stolen must be valued at more than $400, said veteran Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. Rodriguez explained that under California law grand theft auto can be charged either as a felony under California Penal Code Section 487(d) or as a misdemeanor when the defendant has no prior convictions under California Vehicle Code Section 10851. Conviction of felony theft can result in 16 months to 3 years in state prison. A misdemeanor conviction can bring up to a year in county jail, restitution, fines, community service and three years of formal probation. Conviction of more than one count of grand theft auto can impose California's harsh Three Strikes Law which can double sentences, criminal defense lawyer Rodriguez warned.

To protect yourself from auto theft, the National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends the following actions:

• Remove your keys from the ignition when you leave your car.


• Lock your doors and close your windows as soon as you enter your car.


• Park your car only in well-lit areas, preferably near pedestrian and vehicle traffic.


• Ask for an escort to your car when you leave an establishment late at night.


• Install a visible or audible warning device in your vehicle to alert thieves that your vehicle is protected.


• Use an immobilizing device in your vehicle that prevents thieves from hot-wiring the ignition.


• Install a tracking device in your vehicle to assist police in locating your car if it is stolen.