Taking control of another person’s vehicle without permission using threats or deception is charged as Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft. But, if someone gives you the keys, is it still Motor Vehicle Theft? That’s the question on the table after a woman showed up to a car dealership and took a car for a test drive, never to return. The documents the woman left behind were proven to be false, including a driver’s license and insurance information. The car was found abandoned in perfect condition a few weeks later. The woman has not been located, but she would likely be facing Motor Vehicle Theft charges if she is ever caught.
Larimer County Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft Attorney: Get Handed the Keys, Get Charged with Motor Vehicle Theft?
The Larimer and Boulder County, Colorado law definition of Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-409(2) – is:
(a) Retains possession or control of the motor vehicle for more than twenty-four hours; or
(b) Attempts to alter or disguise or alters or disguises the appearance of the motor vehicle; or
(c) Attempts to alter or remove or alters or removes the vehicle identification number; or
(d) Uses the motor vehicle in the commission of a crime other than a traffic offense; or
(e) Causes five hundred dollars or more property damage, including but not limited to property damage to the motor vehicle involved, in the course of obtaining control over or in the exercise of control of the motor vehicle; or
(f) Causes bodily injury to another person while he or she is in the exercise of control of the motor vehicle; or
(g) Removes the motor vehicle from this state for a period of time in excess of twelve hours; or
(h) Unlawfully attaches or otherwise displays in or upon the motor vehicle license plates other than those officially issued for the motor vehicle.
Because the woman used deception to get the keys to the car and then kept it for more than 24 hours, she is facing this felony crime. For a car valued less than $20,000, it is a class 5 felony and a car valued $20,000 or more is a class 4 felony.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007.
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