{"id":210039,"date":"2022-09-24T18:59:18","date_gmt":"2022-09-24T18:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belen.mysites.io\/?page_id=210039"},"modified":"2025-06-20T18:35:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T18:35:18","slug":"auto-theft","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/belenlawfirm.com\/es\/auto-theft\/","title":{"rendered":"Robo de autos"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Phoenix Auto Theft Defense Attorneys<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Phoenix Auto Theft Defense Attorneys<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Under Arizona law, any type of motor vehicle theft can result in a felony conviction. Felony charges like these can permanently change the course of your life. If you or someone you love has been charged with a vehicle theft crime, you need a Phoenix, AZ motor vehicle theft attorney<\/b> from Bel\u00e9n Law Firm. Bel\u00e9n Olmedo Guerra<\/a> can help you explore all your legal options and craft the best possible defense strategy. Call our Phoenix office today at 602-715-0908<\/a> to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney<\/b>.\u00a0<\/p>

Arizona Vehicle and Auto Theft Laws<\/h2>

The state of Arizona takes auto theft crimes very seriously. Taking control of another person\u2019s vehicle without their permission, even temporarily, can warrant years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Depending on the facts of your case, the criminal prosecution team may even present evidence that can put you in prison for up to 25 years. Even a first offense can mean a presumptive 3-and-a-half-year prison sentence, not to mention a felony conviction that permanently stays on your record.\u00a0<\/p>

Having an experienced criminal defense team can make sure you put up a proper fight against the evidence in a theft case and any related crimes. The sooner you reach out to the skilled Phoenix criminal defense attorneys<\/a> at Bel\u00e9n Law Firm<\/a>, the quicker we can get started on building your solid legal defense strategy.\u00a0<\/p>

What is Theft of Means of Transportation?<\/h2>

Theft of means of transportation<\/b> is also known as theft of a vehicle. This law, found in ARS \u00a7 13-1814<\/a>, involves any vehicle (motorcycle, truck, or car) that is taken without lawful authority. In order to receive a conviction, prosecutors must prove the element of intent to permanently deprive the owner of their vehicle. This includes physically taking the vehicle or acquiring the vehicle through material misrepresentation (fraud). It can also include accepting a misdelivered vehicle without going through reasonable efforts to find the true owner. This law also applies if a person knowingly buys a stolen vehicle. The prosecution team can prove this if you bought the vehicle for less than fair market value. If you purchased it outside of regular business hours, they can use this as evidence of knowledge that it was stolen, as well.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Auto theft can result in a Class 3 felony conviction. <\/b>The sentencing for a Class 3 felony<\/a> depends on the number of historical priors a person has. According to Arizona\u2019s felony sentencing guidelines<\/a>, auto theft may result in a minimum prison sentence of 2 years for a first offense and a maximum prison sentence of 25 years for a third or subsequent offenses.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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ARS 13-1803: Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation<\/h2>\n

Unlawful use of means of transportation (also called joyriding) can be found under ARS \u00a7 13-1803<\/a> and is a Class 5 felony<\/b>. This is punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison for first-time offenders, 3.75 years for second-time offenders, and 7.5 years for third or subsequent offenses. This crime involves the unauthorized use of a vehicle without consent from the owner of the vehicle and can apply to both the driver and any passengers. Drivers may be convicted of a Class 5 felony, and any passengers may receive a Class 6 felony<\/a>. A Class 6 felony<\/b> can carry a sentence ranging anywhere from 4 months to up to two years for first-time offenders. Multiple prior convictions can result in longer, harsher sentences.  <\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between Theft and Joyriding? <\/h3>\n

The key difference between theft and joyriding is the intent behind the act. The law defines theft as the intention of knowingly and permanently depriving the owner of their vehicle. With joyriding, there is no intent to permanently<\/i> deprive the owner of their vehicle.  <\/p>\n

Theft of a Vehicle Engine or Transmission<\/h2>\n

Theft of a vehicle transmission or engine (no matter the value) can result in a Class 4 felony<\/a>. This crime can be found under Arizona\u2019s general theft statutes, ARS \u00a7 13-1802<\/a>. Depending on the possibility of prior offenses, the sentence for a Class 4 felony ranges anywhere between 1 year to 15 years behind bars. <\/p>\n

Theft of Catalytic Converters in Phoenix<\/h2>\n

In recent years, there has been a drastically growing number of catalytic converter thefts in Phoenix<\/a> and the surrounding area. In fact, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau<\/a>, claims involving catalytic converter theft increased 325% between 2019 and 2020 alone. Though many people may not be familiar with their vehicle\u2019s catalytic converter, they are no doubt valuable, as made evident by such a significant increase in thefts. Catalytic converters are emission control devices that can be found in the exhaust system of a vehicle. The purpose of these devices is to convert toxic, pollutant gases into safer and less harmful ones.<\/p>\n

In response to the catalytic converter theft \u201ccrime epidemic,,\u2019 Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2652, which makes the possession of a used catalytic converter (unless by a scrap metal dealer) a criminal offense. Under A.R.S. \u00a7 13-3728<\/a>, it is illegal \u201cfor a person to purchase, solicit, advertise, possess or sell a used catalytic converter or any nonferrous parts of a catalytic converter.\u201d A violation of this legislation is a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Theft of Rental Vehicles<\/h2>

When a person rents a rental car, they often sign an agreement to return the vehicle by a specific date and time. Rental vehicles must be returned within 72 hours (3 days) of the end of the rental period. Unlawful failure to return rented property can result in a Class 5 felony<\/b>. The sentence for a Class 5 felony<\/a> ranges from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 7 and a half years for repeat offenders. However, these charges can usually be dismissed if your legal team can prove you were incapacitated or got permission from the owner to extend the rental agreement.\u00a0<\/p>

What Should I Do If I\u2019m Arrested for Theft of a Motor Vehicle?<\/h2>

If you are arrested for theft of a motor vehicle, it is important that you take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and the integrity of your case. Following an arrest, you should:<\/p>