Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer | Stealing a Car in Douglas County, CO

Aggravated motor vehicle theft in Douglas County, CO occurs when someone obtains or takes control of a car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle without authorization or by threat or deception. This offense can come with steep penalties if convicted. It is almost always a felony in Colorado and also results in a revoked driver’s license. Representation from an experienced defense attorney is critical if you’re facing a charge.

Colorado Auto Theft Statute

C.R.S. 18-4-409 defines the conduct of stealing a vehicle in Colorado. This offense can be charged as either aggravated motor vehicle theft in the second or first degree in Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree. Someone commits this crime in the second degree when they:

knowingly obtain or take control of a motor vehicle,
without authorization,
or by threat or deception

In other states, this crime is often referred to as grand theft auto. Doing something as simple as taking a particularly lengthy test drive without informing the vehicle’s owner can result in a devastating charge. A person commits first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft in Castle Rock when the above items are true and they:

keep / operate the vehicle for 24+ hrs,
change or attempt to change the appearance of the vehicle,
remove or attempt to remove the VIN
use the car to commit another crime,
cause $500+ of damage to property or the vehicle,
cause bodily injury to someone while in control of the vehicle,
leave the state of Colorado for 12+ hrs,
use license plates other than those issued to the vehicle

What Level Felony is Stealing a Car?

2nd degree aggravated motor vehicle theft is either a class 6 felony or class 5 felony in Douglas County, CO depending on the value of the vehicle itself:

less than $2,000 value = class 1 misdemeanor
$2,000 – $20,000 value = class 6 felony
$20,000+ value = class 5 felony

1st degree aggravated motor vehicle theft can range from a class 5 felony – to a class 3 felony depending on the following circumstances:

vehicle value less than $20,000 = class 5 felony
$20,000 – $100,000 = class 4 felony
$100,000+ value or previous motor vehicle theft conviction = class 3 felony

Motor Vehicle Theft Punishment

Considering a joyride or taking another’s car to leave the state? Think again. You could be facing years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, fines nearing six figures, and a revoked driver’s license. Maybe you had permission to drive the car or at least you thought you did. Nevertheless, expert representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney is paramount if you’re facing charges.

Don’t go at this alone or give law enforcement any statements. Instead, contact our office for a free consultation where will we carefully analyze your case and outline next steps.