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How Top Criminal Defense Attorneys use Arizona Criminal Laws to Defend your Mesa AZ Auto Theft Charges

Auto Theft Charges or "Theft of Means of Transportation" Charges in Arizona
Auto Theft in Arizona is also known by its' legal term "Theft of Means of Transportation" and used interchangeably. A conviction for Mesa AZ auto theft can expose you to nearly 9 years in State Prison. Auto Theft charges are serous felonies. The best attorneys in Arizona will advise you to seek legal representation for these charges.

Arizona has some of the highest incidents Auto Thefts in the country, leaving prosecutors and police working vigorously to pursue convictions. They are looking for severe punishments for those convicted of Arizona Auto theft. If charged with Mesa auto theft you will need strong criminal defense representation and should consult a criminal attorney who defends Mesa AZ auto theft charges as soon as possible. to discuss your charges and defense options.

Arizona Auto Theft Laws
Auto Theft Charges in Mesa AZ for purposes of sentencing are governed by the State of Arizona. "Theft of Means of Transportation" or auto theft can be found under criminal code A.R.S. 13-1814. Auto theft is a class 3 felony, and an Arizona victim crime.
Basically, the Arizona Criminal Law requires that in order for the prosecution to convict you (or otherwise the defendant) of auto theft, they must prove the following:
1. You knowingly took a vehicle without permission or legal authority;
2. You took control, converted, or obtained someone else's means of transportation without their consent.
3. Your intent in taking the vehicle was to permanently deprive that entity of another of their vehicle or means of transportation.
So to get a convicted, at least one or more elements must exist:
A. You must have known you were taking a vehicle belonging to someone else..
B. You took control of a vehicle that you knew was stolen.
C. You had no intention of returning it to the rightful owner.

Also, in Arizona, you can be convicted of auto theft and face years in prison if you took possession of a vehicle without knowing who it belonged to, and failed to make a reasonable effort to find it's rightful owner

Auto Theft Penalties in Mesa AZ
Arizona penalties for conviction of non-violent class 3 felony such as auto theft, with no prior criminal record, will expose the defendant to upwards of 8.75 years in state prison, 12 months jail, and restitution or supervised probation, among other penalties the court may order. If the defendant is convicted of Auto theft, and has a prior criminal record, and or any violence was involved, the penalties will increase based on the circumstances of the case.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Auto Theft Charges in Mesa AZ
If you have been accused or charged with Mesa AZ auto theft, you should consult a criminal defense lawyer or Mesa AZ auto theft attorney as soon as possible. A good auto theft defense lawyer will make sure your rights are protected; you are treated fairly throughout the criminal law process; examine all the evidence; determine what defenses will best most effective in your case; interview witnesses; and present compelling arguments on your behalf. The best criminal defense attorneys who defend Mesa AZ charges will make every effort to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or the otherwise best outcome in your case.