Auto Theft Crimes in Phoenix AZ


AUTO THEFT Castillo Law Phoenix AZFrom the early 2000s through 2007 the Phoenix/Metro area was consistently in the top 10 cities in America for auto theft related crimes. To combat these high statistics the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office introduced a major crime bureau devoted to nothing but the prosecution of auto theft related crimes. Since then they have worked closely with local law enforcement and have prosecuted those arrested for auto theft related crimes harshly.
If you are arrested and/or charged with one of the following please contact us as soon as possible as you will need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend your rights. Ms. Castillo is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist whom has successfully defended countless people accused of the following crimes.

Auto Theft Crimes in Arizona

Theft of means of transportation (ARS § 13-1814): (“Grand Theft Auto”)

A person commits theft of means of transportation if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly does one of the following:

  1. Controls another person’s means of transportation with the intent to permanently deprive the person of the means of transportation.
  2. Converts for an unauthorized term or use another person’s means of transportation that is entrusted to or placed in the defendant’s possession for a limited, authorized term or use.
  3. Obtains another person’s means of transportation by means of any material misrepresentation with intent to permanently deprive the person of the means of transportation.
  4. Comes into control of another person’s means of transportation that is lost or misdelivered under circumstances providing means of inquiry as to the true owner and appropriates the means of transportation to the person’s own or another’s use without reasonable efforts to notify the true owner.
  5. Controls another person’s means of transportation knowing or having reason to know that the property is stolen.

This statute makes the proceeding a Class 3 Felony offense which can be punishable by jail and/or prison time depending on the person’s criminal history.

Unlawful use of means of transportation (ARS § 13-1803) (“Joyriding’):

A person commits unlawful use of means of transportation if, without intent permanently to deprive, the person either:

  1. Knowingly takes unauthorized control over another person’s means of transportation. This is a Class 5 Felony.
  2. Knowingly is transported or physically located in a vehicle that the person knows or has reason to know is in the unlawful possession of another person pursuant to paragraph 1 or section 13-1814. This is a Class 6 Felony.

Either offense can be punishable by jail and/or prison time depending on the person’s criminal history.

Call Castillo Law for a Free Consultation 24/7 at (480) 206-5204.  Se Habla Espanol y la primera Consulta es Gratuita.
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