Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Charges in Scottsdale
Taking someone else’s car out for a joyride may seem harmless, but this is viewed as a serious criminal offense in Arizona. “Unlawful use of means of transportation” is a felony crime that can have severe consequences. If you are facing this type of allegation in Scottsdale, it is important to contact our experienced Arizona car theft lawyer for advice as soon as possible. Schedule your free consultation with Corso Law Group today.
What Is “Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation?”
If you take someone else’s motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, even if you weren’t planning on stealing the car or taking it permanently, this is a crime in Arizona. The legal definition of this criminal charge is found in Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) § 13-1803:
- A person commits unlawful use of means of transportation if, without intent permanently to deprive, the person either:
- Knowingly takes unauthorized control over another person’s means of transportation.
- 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.
Examples of this crime include joyriding, using a company car outside of authorized hours or purposes, keeping a rental car past the due date, and knowingly riding in a stolen car. Unlawful use of means of transportation is similar to an auto theft charge, with a few important differences. The main distinction lies in whether the defendant intended to return the vehicle to the owner.
Penalties for a Conviction
If you were the driver of the vehicle that was taken, the courts will charge it as a primary offense. This crime is a class 5 felony in Arizona, with potential penalties ranging from 6 months to 2.5 years in prison for a first-time offender.
If you were a passenger in the car, this is a secondary offense that is charged as a class 6 felony. This crime carries a possible prison sentence of four months to two years for a first-time offender. You may also face fines and possible restitution, meaning you will be held financially responsible to the owner of the vehicle.
Defenses Against A.R.S. § 13-1803
Unlawful use charges in Scottsdale can have major consequences. For this reason, it is critical to hire an experienced defense lawyer to represent you if you are arrested or accused of this crime. Your criminal defense attorney in Phoenix can custom-tailor a strong defense for your unique situation, taking into account factors such as the type of charge, the evidence against you, and your criminal history.
Defense options may include:
- You reasonably believed you had permission from the owner to take the car.
- You were a passenger who was unaware that the vehicle was taken without permission.
- You have been wrongly accused or falsely identified as the driver of the vehicle.
- You only drove or rode in the vehicle due to duress, coercion, or entrapment.
- Your legal rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest.
A solid defense could lead to reduced charges and case types, such as bringing a felony down to a misdemeanor. You may also be eligible for alternative sentencing or probation instead of jail time. Our Arizona traffic violations attorney will explore every option for your defense while keeping you informed of your legal rights and updated about the status of your case.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Scottsdale Can Help
You could be facing consequences that affect your freedom, civil rights, employment, housing and future if you’ve been arrested for unlawful use of means of transportation in Scottsdale. Luckily, you have the right to hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
With the right attorney, you can minimize the consequences of this charge on your life as much as possible. For more information, consult with our lawyer, Christopher Corso, at Corso Law Group. Request your free consultation in Scottsdale today.
