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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.

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!

Theft Crimes Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Theft Crimes Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Theft Crimes Client Faced Felony Burglary Charge
Our client was charged with class 3 felony burglary. We were able to get this charge completely dismissed.
Theft Crimes Trafficking in Stolen Property (Felony 3)
Our client was charged with Trafficking in Stolen Property, a Felony 3. We were able to get the charge reduced to a Felony 6 offense.
Theft Crimes Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
Theft Crimes Felony 3 Theft Offense
Our client was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation, a Felony 3 in Arizona. MayesTelles was able to achieve a case dismissal.
Theft Crimes Client Charged with Felony Theft
Our client was facing a fourth degree felony theft charge, but we were able to achieve a case dismissal.
Theft Crimes Case Dismissed
MayesTelles client, M.L., was charged with felony theft and fraud schemes and faced mandatory prison if convicted. Attorney David Lish was able to get the case dismissed with prejudice before trial.
Theft Crimes Client Charged With Theft
Our client, A.G., was charged with Class 1 Misdemeanor Theft. We were able to get the client's case dismissed. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
Theft Crimes Class 3 Felony Theft Charge
Location: Maricopa County Superior Court Our client, G.M., was charged with class 3 felony theft. We were able to get this charge reduced to a misdemeanor.

More Successful Case Results

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Testimonials

“There are no words I can give you to thank you for what your company has done for me!!”
- K.H.
“I sure hope to never get in trouble again but when I did I put my money and trust in MayesTelles. Not only do they listen, they CARE! As if it was them in my shoes! They don't judge you or make you feel uncomfortable and you can sit back and relax while th”
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“Got myself in some trouble and David Lish pulled me right out. He was really good at making me feel comfortable and helping me understand exactly what was going on with my case. David made my Felony go down to a misdemeanor and allowed me to come home to N”
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“Zach turned hell to heaven (not guilty) for me and I will never say enough thank you for the fantastic job he did!!!!! Zach thank you”
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