Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Lawyer for Motor Vehicle Theft in Colorado Springs

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2021 | Theft |

Motor vehicle theft charges in Colorado Springs can result from the smallest of actions regarding another’s car. While this crime does involve blatant acts of auto theft, it can also include borrowing someone’s car without permission or deceptively using it without the owner’s knowledge. The longer you’re accused of taking a vehicle and the more things you do with it / to it, the harsher the consequences. Contacting a lawyer for aggravated motor vehicle theft allegations is wise. Below we discuss El Paso County auto theft in greater detail and how our defense attorneys can help the accused.

2 Degrees of Motor Vehicle Theft in El Paso County

Aggravated motor vehicle theft in Colorado Springs, Fountain, and Security-Widefield can be charged in either the second-degree or first-degree. Law enforcement will pursue 2nd degree motor vehicle theft charges if they believe you:

  • knowingly obtained or exercised control,
  • over someone’s motor vehicle,
  • without authorization or by threat / deception

These cases elevate if the defendant is accused of keeping the car for 24+ hours, altering or disguising the car, trying to remove the VIN, using the car to commit a crime, causing $500+ of property damage or another’s bodily injury, leaving the state for 12+ hours, or using other license plates on the car. In these situations, 1st degree motor vehicle theft applies.

What are the Consequences for Auto Theft in Colorado Springs?

Motor vehicle theft is a felony offense throughout El Paso, Pueblo, and Douglas County in most cases. The only exception is when a vehicle under $5K in value is involved. Otherwise, a conviction can lead to:

  • a prison sentence of 1 – 12 years,
  • fines of $1K – $750K,
  • 1 – 5 years of parole

Additionally, a conviction will result in a revoked driver’s license for at least one year. While penalties look quite different for minors under the age of 18, juveniles still lose their driver’s license for a year as well.

Colorado Springs Criminal Defense

Just because you’ve been accused of aggravated motor vehicle theft in El Paso County doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There are defenses that may apply to your unique situation. Perhaps you had the owner’s permission to drive the car, truck, or van, you didn’t know you weren’t authorized to drive the vehicle, or you’re being falsely accused. Nonetheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced defense attorney. We will thoroughly analyze your case, answer your questions, and suggest next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing motor vehicle theft charges in Colorado Springs, Monument, Manitou Springs, Falcon, and Cimarron Hills.

Don’t talk to police about vehicle theft – talk to us. 303-731-0719

Photo by Brett Jordan