Auto Theft Attorney In Dublin

Charged With Vehicle Theft In Dublin, CA?

Being accused of stealing a car or driving a vehicle without permission can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may be worried about jail, a felony record, and how this will affect your job and family. When you need an auto theft attorney Dublin residents can turn to for steady guidance, The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero is here to listen and help you understand your options.

Our firm is based in Dublin, CA, and we focus entirely on defending people facing criminal charges in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Led by Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero, a former state prosecutor with over 30 years of criminal law experience, we know how local prosecutors build auto theft cases and what they must prove. We approach every case with the same goal: to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. If you or someone you care about is under investigation or already charged, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation so we can talk about what is happening and how we may be able to help.

Call (925) 259-3337 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Facing Auto Theft Charges Locally

If you were arrested in or around Dublin, your case will typically go through the East County Hall of Justice or another courthouse in the Alameda County Superior Court system. Some cases arising from nearby communities may be filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court. The court location usually depends on where the alleged conduct occurred.

California law covers a range of vehicle-related theft offenses. These can include taking or driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, vehicle theft involving an intent to permanently deprive the owner, receiving a stolen vehicle, or acting as an accessory. In some situations, a dispute over whether you had permission or whether you planned to return the car can make a major difference.

Auto theft charges can be filed as felonies or misdemeanors depending on the facts, your prior record, and the prosecutor’s choices. Potential consequences may involve custody time, probation with strict conditions, fines, restitution, and a long-term theft-related conviction on your record. This can affect employment, professional licenses, housing applications, and immigration status for noncitizens.

We recognize that many people accused of vehicle theft feel embarrassed and overwhelmed. You might believe the case is already decided because the police report sounds one-sided. In reality, these cases often involve complex questions about ownership, consent, intent, and identification. Our role is to dig into those details and ensure your side of the story is heard in court in Dublin or elsewhere in the East Bay.

How We Defend Auto Theft Cases

Investigating The Charges Against You

Every vehicle theft allegation has its own facts, and we treat each case as unique. When you contact us, we start by learning what happened from your point of view and reviewing the charging documents. We work to obtain police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and any available video or digital evidence so we can evaluate the strength of the case against you.

In many auto theft cases, key issues include whether you had permission to use the vehicle, whether the prosecution can prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner, and whether the identification evidence actually connects you to the car at the relevant time. Sometimes, there are disputes involving borrowed vehicles, family cars, ridesharing arrangements, or agreements that were never put in writing. We look for messages, call logs, and other information that can support your account.

Using Former Prosecutor Insight

Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero brings the insight of a former state prosecutor to each case. His experience on the other side of the courtroom helps us anticipate what the District Attorney may focus on, how they are likely to argue intent, and where the weaknesses in their evidence may lie. This perspective guides how we prepare, how we negotiate, and how we present your defense in front of a judge or jury.

We also consider your personal history and goals. A student worried about school, a parent supporting a family, or a noncitizen concerned about removal may need very different outcomes. Our firm works to pursue options that fit your situation, which can include negotiating for reduced charges, seeking alternatives to jail when appropriate, or challenging the evidence in pretrial motions and at trial. When someone searches for a car theft attorney Dublin defendants can trust, we aim to provide clear advice and strong advocacy, not empty promises.

Steps To Take After An Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest or contact with law enforcement can significantly affect your case. It is common to feel pressure to explain your side quickly, especially if officers say they just want to hear the truth. We encourage you to take a step back and protect yourself before saying anything.

Right away, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your rights:

• Limit conversations about the facts of the case and avoid giving statements to police or others without legal advice.
• Keep track of all paperwork you receive, including your citation, bail documents, and any notice of a court date at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
• Write down what you remember as soon as you can, including names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who may support your version of events.
• Save any text messages, social media messages, or emails that relate to permission to use the vehicle or your relationship with the vehicle’s owner.
• Reach out to our firm promptly so we can review your situation, advise you before future questioning, and begin protecting your rights in court.

Courts generally expect you to appear on time for all hearings unless your attorney has arranged otherwise, and failing to appear can lead to a warrant. By contacting us early, you give our team a better chance to address charging decisions, discuss bail issues when they arise, and start gathering evidence while the details are still fresh.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

When your freedom and record are at stake, the attorney you choose matters. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we bring more than 30 years of criminal law experience to every case. That background includes years spent as a state prosecutor, which gives us a detailed understanding of how law enforcement investigates and how prosecutors decide which charges to file and how to pursue them.

We focus exclusively on defending individuals accused of crimes. This means our attention is on protecting the rights, freedom, and reputation of people facing charges, not on civil lawsuits or other practice areas. For someone looking for an auto theft lawyer Dublin courts see regularly, this singular focus can provide confidence that we know how these cases move through the system.

Our approach is personal and practical. We work to understand where you are coming from, including your work, family responsibilities, and any prior contact with the criminal justice system. We then tailor our strategy to aim for outcomes that protect your future as much as possible, whether that involves negotiating with the District Attorney or preparing to challenge the allegations in court.

We are based in Dublin and serve clients throughout the East Bay, including cases in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Our office offers bilingual services for clients and families who prefer to communicate in Spanish, which can make difficult conversations easier and more accurate. If you are searching for a car theft attorney Dublin residents can easily reach, our goal is to provide accessible, respectful, and diligent representation from the first call to the final hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for a first auto theft charge?

Not every first auto theft case results in jail, although custody is possible. Outcomes depend on the specific charge, your prior record, the alleged facts, and the judge and prosecutor involved. We review all these factors and work to pursue options that reduce or avoid jail whenever realistic.

Is auto theft always a felony in California?

Auto theft is not always charged as a felony. Some related offenses can be filed as misdemeanors, and prosecutors sometimes reduce or amend charges based on the evidence and your history. We assess how your case is filed, then discuss whether there may be room to seek a different classification.

What happens at my first court date in Dublin?

Your first appearance, often at the East County Hall of Justice, is usually an arraignment. The judge informs you of the charges, addresses bail if needed, and schedules future dates. We appear with you, protect your rights, speak on your behalf, and begin guiding the case in a productive direction.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an arrest?

We recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as you learn you are under investigation or have been arrested. Early advice can shape how you handle police contact and court deadlines. Our firm uses Attorney Lamiero’s former prosecutor background to examine charging decisions and start building a defense as quickly as possible.

Can your firm help if I prefer to speak Spanish?

Yes. Our office offers bilingual services; se habla español. Clear communication is essential in criminal cases, and we want you and your family to feel comfortable asking questions and understanding your options. We take time to explain each step so you can make informed decisions.

Talk With A Defense Lawyer About Your Case

If you are facing auto theft allegations in or around Dublin, you do not have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. A knowledgeable auto theft attorney Dublin residents can access locally can help you understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, and plan a path forward that protects what matters most to you.

At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, we draw on decades of criminal law experience and a former prosecutor’s insight to guide clients through this difficult time. We strive to provide clear explanations, honest advice, and diligent advocacy in Alameda County and Contra Costa County courts. Your first step is a confidential conversation about your situation and your concerns.

To schedule a consultation, call .