Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Attorney

Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Charges in Arizona

Some people refer to this charge as “joy riding”. Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation is a Felony charge in Arizona and carries serious penalties if convicted. For the Arizona prosecution to get a theft conviction for Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation it needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, the following:

1. Without authorization you knowingly took control of another person’s means of transportation; and
2. You did not intend to permanently deprive the owner.

Under this Arizona crime, you do not need to steal or intend to keep the vehicle. However, it has been argued that the vehicle must be motorized and devices such as paddle boats or bicycles are excluded from this section. Besides “joy riding” another example of Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation would be if you rented a vehicle and you intentionally kept it for days, weeks, or months longer than you were authorized or contracted with the rental agency.

AZ Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Laws

The Arizona law surrounding this charge is sited under criminal code 13-1803 and reads in part as follows:

A person may be in violation of Arizona’s Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Laws A.R.S. 13-1803, even if they do not intend to permanently driver a person of their means of transportation.

If with knowledge, they take control of a person’s auto or means of transportation, without the owner’s authorization they may face Class 5 felony charges. Non-dangerous and first time offenses expose a person to .75 minimum and 2 year maximum prison terms.

If a person is knows they are being transported, in a stolen vehicle or is found to be in it knowing that another has unlawful possession of it, they may be found guilty of a Class 6 felony. A non-dangerous, first time offense will expose a person to prison terms of 6 months minimum, to 1.5 maximum prison terms.

Arizona Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Penalties

Under Lawful Use of Means of Transportation is a victim crime and is considered very serious by prosecutors and judges. If convicted you could face a sentence that may include prison up to 2/0 to 2.5 years, probation jail up to 12 months, restitution, community service, and any other penalties the judge deems appropriate.

Arizona Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation Charge Criminal Defense Attorney for Felony Charges

Charges for this felony offense in Arizona if convicted carry severe penalties and a felony conviction on your record that will affect your life adversely for years. If charged with this crime you should contact a criminal defense attorney in Arizona who is experienced at defending this type of charge. That attorney is James Novak of the Law Office of James Novak. There are defenses that can be used based on your situation. He will be your voice in the Arizona criminal justice system, protect your rights, and build a strong defense case on your behalf to help you avoid a conviction. Call (480) 413-1499 today for your confidential and FREE consultation with a proven criminal defense lawyer James Novak.