Aggressive Criminal Defense Lawyers for Motor Vehicle Theft Charges in Denver, CO

Denver Auto Theft Defense Lawyer

Colorado courts prosecute theft crimes to the fullest extent of the law. Depending on the details of your case, you could be facing life-changing felony charges.

Let the skilled team at WeedenLaw give your case the care and attention it deserves. For the best outcome in your case, get a Denver motor vehicle theft attorney like Jeff Weeden on your side as soon as possible. For a free consultation, call (720) 307-4330 today.  

What is Motor Vehicle Theft?

Grand Theft Auto may be a popular video game, but real life looks a lot different than the exciting and risk-free scenarios depicted in the game. Motor vehicle theft in Colorado is not taken lightly. Theft of a motor vehicle occurs when a person knowingly obtains possession of another person’s vehicle without authorization, or by threat or deception. Under Colorado criminal law, all forms of motor vehicle theft are considered aggravated. 

Normally, theft crimes involve an intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property. With motor vehicle theft, even taking the vehicle temporarily can result in severe criminal charges. In such dire circumstances, you can trust experienced Colorado criminal defense lawyer Jeff Weeden to provide the aggressive and proactive legal representation you need. 

Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Colorado

Aggravated motor vehicle theft crimes can fall into two different charges, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime. Aggravated motor vehicle theft in the first degree is more serious than aggravated motor vehicle theft in the second degree. Offenses like joy-riding used to be considered minor misdemeanors, but the penalties surrounding auto theft in Colorado have increased in recent years. 

First-Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

Certain aggravating factors can warrant an enhanced charge for this crime. Someone can be charged with aggravated motor vehicle theft in the first degree if they steal a car and:

  • Keep it for more than 24 hours or leave the state with the vehicle for more than 12 hours
  • Cause $500 or more in property damage
  • Attempt to alter or disguise the vehicle’s appearance
  • Attempt to change or alter the vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Cause bodily injury to another person while operating the vehicle
  • Use the vehicle in a crime other than a traffic offense
  • Remove or change the motor vehicle license plates registered to the vehicle 

Any of these aggravating circumstances can result in a first-degree offense, which is often prosecuted as a felony

Second-Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

Second-degree theft occurs when someone knowingly obtains or exercises control over the motor vehicle involved without any of the aggravating factors listed above. This charge can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the vehicle. In other states, this charge can be similar to joyriding. Understanding the charges against you can be difficult, especially for someone unfamiliar with the Colorado legal system. That’s why having an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney on your side is a major advantage. 

Is Motor Vehicle Theft a Felony?

Motor vehicle theft penalties are dependent on the value of the stolen property. If the value of the stolen vehicle is more than $1,999, the crime is felony theft. Prior convictions can also change the penalty of these crimes. A felony conviction can have a life-long impact on your life. Felons often have a difficult time finding employment and housing. Under Colorado law, people currently incarcerated for felony convictions lose the right to vote.

Denver Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyer

Colorado Penalties for Theft of a Motor Vehicle

The penalties for motor vehicle theft crimes depend primarily on the value of the motor vehicles involved. Prior criminal convictions can also influence the penalty for this crime. 

First-Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

First-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft is always a felony. The classification of the felony is dependent upon the value of the vehicle involved. 

If the vehicle is worth $100,000 or more, this is a Class 3 felony. This is punishable by a maximum of 12 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. 

If the vehicle is worth between $20,000 and $99,999, this is a Class 4 felony. This is punishable by a maximum of six years in prison, a $500,000 fine, or both. 

If the vehicle is worth less than $20,000, this is a Class 5 felony. This is punishable by up to three years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both.

If this is the third motor vehicle office, the penalty is a Class 3 felony, regardless of the value of the vehicle. 

Second-Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

Second-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft can be either a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the value of the vehicle involved. 

A vehicle worth $20,000 or more results in a Class 5 felony charge. This is punishable by up to three years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. 

A vehicle worth between $2,000 and $19,000 can result in a Class 6 felony charge. This crime results in a maximum of 18 months in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both. 

A vehicle worth less than $2,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This is punishable by a maximum sentence of 18 months, a $5,000 fine, or both.

A third offense can result in an automatic Class 5 felony charge

The penalties for theft of a motor vehicle can be steep. When you need representation you can trust, get Jeff Weeden from WeedenLaw. Our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to craft the best legal defense in your case. 

Juvenile Car Theft Sentencing 

Colorado’s juvenile justice system works differently than the criminal justice system. Most crimes are charged as delinquent acts instead of misdemeanors or felonies. In some cases, the juvenile system allows defendants to see a deferred adjudication. This is basically a bet on yourself. If the defendant performs all the conditions of release, the judgment is dismissed. If the defendant goes on to commit other offenses, deferred adjudication can enhance the charges against them. Working with an experienced Denver juvenile defense attorney like Jeff Weeden means you can trust that your future is protected. 

Common Defenses for Auto Theft

An aggressive defense team like the one at WeedenLaw can help you craft the best possible defense strategy for your case. Common defense strategies for an offense involving theft includes:

  • Ownership of the vehicle
  • Permission was given and then revoked
  • Police found the vehicle through an illegal search

Denver Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer

What To Do if You’ve Been Charged With Motor Vehicle Theft 

After an arrest, you still have constitutional rights. If the arresting law enforcement officers violate your rights, it could mean that your case can be dismissed entirely. After an arrest, calmly tell the arresting officers that you would like to contact your attorney and don’t say anything else. Anything you say during an arrest can be used against you later in your case. Having an attorney present can protect your best interests.

If you’ve been charged with motor vehicle theft in Denver County, Douglas County, Adams County, or any of the surrounding areas, the skilled team at WeedenLaw can help. An attorney-client relationship with a dedicated attorney can protect your rights and fight for your freedom. 

Colorado Criminal Defense Lawyer for Motor Vehicle Theft Charges

Jeff Weeden is an aggressive criminal defense attorney who works hard to provide you with the best possible defense strategy for your case. Since 2005, Jeff Weeden has been helping his clients get their charges reduced, dropped, or dismissed. If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Jefferson County or the surrounding areas in Colorado, you know who to call.

WeedenLaw is a dedicated, trusted, and respected law firm with two offices in Denver and Lakewood, Colorado. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Denver theft attorney at WeedenLaw by calling (720) 307-4330 today.