The punishments for a grand theft auto conviction will depend on the local laws and if you have a prior criminal record. You will likely spend time in jail or prison. You may need to pay restitution to the car owner and a punitive fine. And, you could lose your driving privileges. In addition to any punishments that the court issues, individuals with a criminal record face other obstacles. A felony record can make it difficult to find a job in your field. You could have your professional licenses revoked. You may also have difficulty renting an apartment or finding a roommate. Hiring a lawyer to extract you from a conviction for grand theft may cost you far less than an uncontested guilty plea, so if you face charges for this serious crime, call a criminal defense attorney today.