Attorney Matthew G. Kaestner

Long Beach's Criminal Law Specialist

“Borrowing” someone else’s car without permission or “joyriding” is considered a crime in California, even when the vehicle is taken from a friend or relative. Keeping a rental car past the contracted period can also be charged as “joyriding.” For “joyriding” charges in Long Beach and surrounding courts, the defense lawyer you choose is critical.

Long Beach criminal defense lawyer, Matthew Kaestner, is a board certified criminal law specialist with over 30 years of criminal law experience. He has a proven track record of success defending “joyriding” and other serious felony crimes.

California law makes it a crime to drive or take “a vehicle not his or her own, without the consent of the owner thereof, and with the intent either to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner thereof of his or her title to or possession of the vehicle, whether with or without the intent to steal the vehicle, or any person who is a party or an accessory to or an accomplice in the driving or unauthorized taking or stealing...” (California Vehicle Code § 10851.)

Defenses to a joyriding accusation can include the following:

  • wrongful identification;
  • actual permission to drive;
  • lawful rental;
  • lack of knowledge that the vehicle was taken/stolen without permission.

“Joyriding” can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, but is usually charged as a felony carrying a sentence of up to a maximum of 3 years in a county jail. Prior convictions can enhance the maximum sentence to a “joyriding” charge.

If you or a loved one has ben accused of “joyriding,” call an experienced, board certified criminal law specialist immediately. Long Beach criminal law specialist, attorney Matthew Kaestner will personally take your call at (562) 437-0200. Criminal defense lawyer Matthew Kaestner has been certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a criminal law specialist since 1999. He personally handles each case he takes from the initial consultation through plea bargain, dismissal, or trial.