Phoenix Theft of Means of Transportation
Nowadays, it is hard for many people to travel fast to their destinations without a vehicle.
While there are public modes of transportation, having your own vehicle provides a quiet and straight journey, helping you balance your time better. Unfortunately, for those with ill intentions, stealing these vehicles are a great way to make extra cash. Some would even deny knowing about a stolen vehicle, even if it is in their possession.
At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, you can partner with one of our experienced lawyers who can guide you through your Phoenix theft of means of transportation case.
From start to finish, our lawyers will explain to you each step of the process that will be taken to sort out your case. We will fight for a result that all parties can agree on. We are also ready to provide you with expert advice, which they can use to decide on key points throughout the case.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (480) 630-1143 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Theft of Means of Transportation lawyer.
Definition of Theft of Means of Transportation
With experience developing and implementing proven and effective defense strategies, The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC focuses on the unique aspects of your case to determine the best technique for achieving your desired results.
A person commits theft of means of transportation or auto theft by knowingly doing one of the following:
- Controlling another person’s vehicle with the intention of permanently removing their means of travel
- Converts another person’s vehicle, which was placed in the defendant’s possession for a short period, to an unauthorized use or purpose
- Takes another person’s vehicle by material misrepresentation with the intention of permanently removing their capability to have a reliable means to travel
- Comes into possession of a person’s vehicle which was reported lost or misdelivered and uses it without making an effort to notify the real owner that the vehicle is with them.
- Controls another person’s vehicle knowing or having reason to know that the vehicle in their possession is stolen
When a theft of means of transportation occurs or if one knows information regarding the crime, the person must file a signed and notarized affidavit to the police or have it mailed within 7 days after the theft was reported. If the person fails to provide their affidavit on time, the “stolen” vehicle will be removed from the official database of the National Crime Information Center and the state’s criminal justice database. The affidavit should indicate the person who falsely reported theft, and they may face criminal prosecution.
Our Phoenix, AZ criminal law firm can help you understand how the state courts will rule on your theft of means of transportation case and what exactly the charge is against you, given the acts that qualify as theft. Once we have all the information about your case, we will walk you through the possible legal defense we will use to achieve the desired result. If you wish to file an affidavit if you have information about the crime, let us know, and we will assist you in getting it into writing, notarize it and deliver it to the authorities.
Related Offenses to Theft of Means of Transportation
People committing theft of means of transportation can commit additional crimes while doing the act.
Some of these crimes are as follows:
- Theft – This crime involves people knowingly taking or using another person’s property or services, even if they are not lawfully allowed to do so.
- Operating a chop shop – A person can be guilty of this crime if it is proven that they own a chop shop where stolen or fraudulent vehicles are altered, disassembled, and reassembled.
- Unlawful use of means of transportation– For this crime, the person takes another person’s vehicle without authority. Still, they do not intend to take it permanently.
The legal experts assigned to your Phoenix theft of means of transportation case will determine if other offenses were committed during the crime. If it has occurred, we will take note of it while creating the legal defense our team will use for your case. We will explain to you how these offenses will affect your defense and the potential penalties it will have.
Penalties for Theft of Means of Transportation
When a person is found guilty of committing theft by means of transportation, they will immediately face a Class 3 felony. Class 3 felony comes with lengthy state prison sentences and fines that match the offense.
If the defendant has a previous felony offense, the punishment will increase. Aside from this fact, if related crimes have been committed during the crime, the penalties attached to these related crimes will be added to the sentence.
You can trust The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC to fight for a lighter sentence or get these penalties dismissed for your case to the best of our ability. We will also inform you about the penalties beforehand so you can make the necessary arrangements before the verdict is given.
Talk to Our Legal Experts Today
Whether you stole another person’s vehicle to deprive them permanently of their vehicle or had taken possession of a stolen vehicle, the penalties you will face can be very severe if you are unable to defend yourself and seek a lighter sentence. If you are innocent of the charges against you, the need to have a legal team who can defend you is imperative.
With our experts on Phoenix theft of means of transportation cases at your disposal, we are certain that you can get legal advice that will assist you in creating the right decisions for your future. Our team will also be with you from start to finish so that you know exactly how the case is progressing and identify how you want us to proceed. Learn more about our criminal legal services today through our free consultation service, and we’ll show you how we handle each case we receive.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (480) 630-1143 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Theft of Means of Transportation lawyer.