The topic I have chosen to research and delve into is the crime known as grand theft auto or California State Code 10851. Additionally, I will explain the issues such as the statute as how it is read literally, the legislative intent, the cases dealing with the code, the social impact the law has had on society, and my personal opinion on the statute. Moving forward, I define the California state code on auto theft exactly as it reads in state law. Says: Cal Veh Code § 10851 (2001)§ 10851. Unlawful driving or taking of vehicle without consent of owner (a) Any person who drives or takes any vehicle not his own, without the consent of the owner thereof, and with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle or his right of ownership or possession of the vehicle, with or without intent to steal the vehicle, or any person who is a party to, aids or abets in the unauthorized driving or taking or theft, is guilty of a public offense and, when convicted, shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or in a state prison or by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by either the fine than with imprisonment. (b) If the vehicle is (1) an ambulance, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 165, (2) a distinctively marked vehicle of a law enforcement agency or fire department, taken while the ambulance or vehicle is making an emergency call and this fact is known to the person driving or stealing, or any person who is complicit or complicit or complicit in the unauthorized driving or stealing or theft, or ( 3) a vehicle that has been modified for use by a disabled veteran or any other person with a disability and which displays a distinctive license plate or placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.5 or 22511.9 and this fact is known or should have been reasonably known to the person driving or committing the robbery, or whoever is an accomplice or accomplice in the unauthorized driving or robbery or theft, the crime is punishable by imprisonment in the prisons of the State for two, three or four years or by fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or with both fine and imprisonment.