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How Top Criminal Attorneys Defend Auto Gilbert AZ Auto Theft Charge.

Auto Theft Charges | "Theft of Means of Transportation" in Gilbert AZ
Auto Theft in Arizona according the AZ Statutes is known as "Theft of Means of Transportation". A conviction of auto theft charges in Gilbert AZ potentially carries penalties of 8.75 years in prison. Aggravating factors including violence, repeat offenses or concurrent charges can increase the penalties. Auto Theft charges are Class 3 felonies and are considered Arizona crimes against victims. Due to the nature and seriousness of these charges you should seek legal representation for criminal defense of these charges.

The State of Arizona works hard to prosecute those accused of auto theft charges. If you face Gilbert AZ auto theft charges you should contact an Arizona criminal defense attorney who is experienced at defending this offense in the jurisdiction where you were charged. .

Auto Theft Laws Gilbert AZ
Auto Theft or "Theft of Means of Transportation" charges are governed by Arizona State Criminal Law. Classifications and sentencing are outlined in detail at the State of Arizona Legislative code website, under criminal code A.R.S. 13-1814. Auto theft is a class 3 felony in Arizona.

Arizona Criminal Law requires the Arizona Prosecution to prove the following in order to get a conviction:
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 in sum, you must have known you were taking a vehicle that did not belong to you without the owner's permission; you took control of a vehicle that you knew was stolen; and you had no intention of returning it to the owner.

Also, In Arizona, if you take control or possession of a vehicle that is not yours, and you do not know who it belongs to you can be charged with Auto Theft if you fail to make a reasonable effort to find the rightful owner.

Penalties for Gilbert AZ Auto Theft
Arizona Sentencing for Auto Theft convictions that are non-violent, not repeat offenses, with no prior criminal history is still a class 3 felony. Sentencing carries upwards of 8.75 years of incarceration in state prison, 12 months jail, restitution or supervised probation, and other penalties the judge deems necessary. If violence was involved in the incident, or this was a repeat offense, or other aggravating factors exist, more criminal charges may be brought by the prosecution. If convicted, additional penalties, fines, restitution, and a longer prison term may be ordered by the judge.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Auto Theft Charges in Gilbert AZ
If you have been charged with Gilbert AZ auto theft, you should consult a criminal defense attorney or auto theft attorney in Arizona as soon as possible. A good criminal defense firm or auto theft defense lawyer will make sure your rights are protected; you are treated fairly; gather and examine all the evidence; determine what defenses will best serve your defense, interview witnesses, present compelling arguments and motions on your behalf and guide you through the criminal law process in Arizona. Good criminal lawyers who defend Gilbert AZ auto theft charges will first take every opportunity to strengthen your defense against the prosecutions case against you, attempt to get the charges dismissed, reduced, and all the while working towards obtaining the best results for your defense.