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How Top Criminal Attorneys Defend Auto Theft Charges in Chandler AZ.

Auto Theft Charges | "Theft of Means of Transportation" in Chandler AZ
Auto Theft in Arizona is synonymous to the legal term "Theft of Means of Transportation". A conviction of auto theft charges in Chandler AZ carries a maximum sentence of 8.75 years in State Prison. Aggravating factors can increase the sentencing. Theft charges are felonies and known as "victim crimes" in Arizona. Due to the serious consequences if convicted, 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. This leaves gives rise to the Arizona prosecutors and police working together vigorously to get convictions. They want severe punishments for AZ Auto theft convictions. If charged with Chandler AZ auto theft charges you should contact an Arizona criminal defense attorney who is experienced at defending Chandler AZ auto theft charges as soon as possible.

Auto Theft Laws in Arizona
The laws in the State of Arizona govern "Theft of Means of Transportation" or auto theft charges. Classifications and sentencing can be found 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.

Basically, Arizona Criminal Law requires that in order for you to be convicted of auto theft, the prosecution and State of Arizona 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 in sum: 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.

Some people are surprised to learn that in Arizona, you can be convicted of auto theft if you took possession of a vehicle without knowing who it belonged to, and failed to make a reasonable effort to find the rightful owner.This would be considered "Theft of Means of Transportation" or auto theft charges, and cost you years in prison and additional penalties.

Penalties for Chandler AZ Auto Theft
Arizona penalties for conviction even if it was a non-violent class 3 felony, with no priors, and no prior criminal record, are still severe. Sentencing carries upwards of 8.75 years in state prison, 12 months jail, and restitution or supervised probation, among other penalties the court may order. If violence was involved or it was a repeat offense, more criminal charges may be brought by the prosecution, and if convicted, additional penalties and sentencing may be ordered by the judge.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Auto Theft Charges in Chandler AZ
If you have been accused or charged with Chandler AZ auto theft, you should consult a criminal defense lawyer or Chandler AZ auto theft attorney as soon as possible. A good criminal defense or auto theft defense lawyer will make sure your rights are protected; you are treated fairly; examine all the evidence; determine what defenses will best most effective in your case; interview witnesses if any; and present compelling arguments on your behalf; file defense motions, and "tell your side of the story", through the proper legal channels. Good criminal defense attorneys who defend Chandler AZ auto theft charges will make every effort to get your charges dismissed, reduced, or the otherwise best outcome in your case.