Auto Theft Defense Lawyer in Phoenix

Arizona's Auto Theft Laws: Theft of a Means of Transportation

Auto theft is a serious crime classified under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1803 and §13-1814. There are important differences to note regarding each allegation of auto theft. For example if a person is accused of stealing a car and they are the driver of the vehicle, the law considers it to be "theft of means of transportation (TOMOT)," which is a class 3 felony.

Usually, prosecutors charge cases such as this by alleging that a person controlled another individual's vehicle while knowing or having reason to know that the vehicle is stolen. If someone is charged for being a passenger in a stolen vehicle, the prosecutor normally charges them with "unlawful use of means of transportation (UMOT)," which is a class 5 felony.

We've got your back. Contact the defense lawyers at MayesTelles PLLC for a free review of your case. We'll explain your legal rights and options to you.

Auto Theft Defense Strategies

When a person is charged with TOMOT or UMOT, it usually was an incident where police located the alleged offender in a car that was stolen. However, in order to be convicted of any variation of auto theft, the prosecutor needs more evidence than the simple fact that the person was found in a stolen car. The State needs to prove that the person actually knew or had reason to know that the car was stolen.

There are often many explanations for why a person was in a stolen car while not knowing the car was stolen. Police typically look for signs that the car had been tampered with, such as a punched door lock, a damaged steering column, jiggle keys, or broken windows. Additionally, police will try to get people to make statements or admissions as further evidence that person knew the car was stolen.

Know Your Rights

It is very important to know your rights if you are pulled over by the police, beginning with your right to avoid incriminating yourself. This is why you should never subject yourself to police questioning and you should always demand a lawyer. If you are charged with an auto theft-related crime, you could face many years in prison or many years of probation with lengthy jail terms.

FAQs About Auto Theft Charges

What is the difference between auto theft and joyriding in Arizona? 

Auto theft involves permanently depriving the owner of their vehicle, while joyriding involves temporarily taking a vehicle for a joyride without the intention of keeping it. Both are illegal in Arizona, but joyriding may carry lesser penalties than auto theft.

Can I be charged with auto theft if I didn't intend to keep the vehicle? 

Yes, you can still be charged with auto theft in Arizona even if you didn't intend to keep the vehicle permanently. If you took or used the vehicle without the owner's consent, it can still constitute auto theft or a related offense.

Can I be charged with auto theft if I believed the vehicle was abandoned? 

Yes, if you take a vehicle without the owner's consent, even if you believe it to be abandoned, you can still be charged with auto theft in Arizona. It's essential to verify ownership or seek proper authorities if you encounter a seemingly abandoned vehicle.

What should I do if I'm accused of auto theft in Arizona? 

If you're accused of auto theft in Arizona, it's crucial to seek legal representation immediately. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights, assess your case, and guide you through the legal process.

Can I be charged with auto theft if I was unaware the vehicle was stolen when I bought it? 

In some cases, individuals unknowingly purchase stolen vehicles. However, if you're found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle, even if you were unaware of its stolen status, you could face charges related to possession of stolen property. It's essential to verify the vehicle's legitimacy before purchasing it.

Can juvenile offenders be charged with auto theft in Arizona? 

Yes, juveniles can be charged with auto theft in Arizona. However, the juvenile justice system handles cases involving minors differently from adult criminal courts, and penalties may differ accordingly.

Contact a Former Prosecutor Today

Most prosecutor agencies have specialized attorneys and trial groups devoted to prosecuting auto theft-related crimes. These prosecutors work hand-in-hand with police in order to achieve a high level of convictions. The attorneys at MayesTelles PLLC are experienced in handling auto theft crimes and could be instrumental in achieving an acquittal of your charges or negotiating an outcome of your case that is in your best interest.

Contact a car theft lawyer in Phoenix today to see how MayesTelles can help!