What Do I Do if I’m Charged with Stealing a Car in Minnesota?
Its not much of a secret that auto theft has become a problem here in Minnesota and around the country for the last few years. While this is very real, there are the circumstances where the auto theft allegation may actually be a misunderstanding. The problem is that the police and prosecutors generally don’t want to hear about that. However, if you are charged with auto theft in Minnesota, you may face serious criminal consequences including jail or prison, fines and a very serious criminal record. While every case is different, the consequences may be severe. As importantly, the Courts and prosecutors do have discretion. For these reasons, an experienced auto theft criminal defense attorney may be able to help.
“The problem with auto theft charges is that they come with a felony as well as a label of dishonesty. This can impact your life.“
What Does Vehicle Theft Even Mean in Minnesota?
Minnesota has defined vehicle theft very broadly. As a result, it can apply in a whole series of circumstances. The most obvious include the unlawful using, taking, using, and/or concealing of another person’s vehicle with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of possession. This could be taking the vehicle in order to sell it, hide it, trade it, or sell it. And yet, it could also be defined more broadly to include:
Renting a car and intentionally failing to return it;
Finding a vehicle and not making a reasonable attempt to return it to the rightful owner;
Promising to deliver a car and and then intentionally not performing the promise;
Taking a vehicle for a joyride with the intent to exercise temporary control;
Swindling a person of their vehicle, whether by artifice or another mechanism;
Carjacking;
Holding the auto for ransom.
What are the Penalties for Vehicle Theft in Minnesota?
The ramifications of a vehicle theft conviction in Minnesota can be long indeed. These can impact a job, a a career, education, housing, personal relationships and more. However, if you are convicted of vehicle theft in Minnesota, you could face:
A Felony Conviction;
Up to 5 years in prison;
Up to a $10,000 fine;
Restitution.
Because of a rash of vehicle thefts here in Minnesota, Federal authorities have also stepped into the mix and have been charging people with far more serious crimes including robbery and more.
“One of the problems with a felony is that once you get it and all that comes with it, you may be stuck with it and it can impact every facet of your life.”
If you are facing vehicle theft charges in Minnesota, it is important to sit down with an experienced vehicle theft criminal defense attorney to look at your options. This may be critical to your present circumstances but even more important to your future.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor and a former CIA Officer. Jack is also the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense attorney in St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.