What is the theft of means of Transportation in Grand Theft Auto?
Theft Means of Transportation – Grand Theft Auto – ARS 13-1814. Whether in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona, per A.R.S. §13-1814 “Theft of Means of Transportation” or “Auto Theft” occurs when a person controls somebody else’s vehicle with the intent to “permanently” deprive the person of that vehicle.
What is the crime of theft of means of Transportation?
Criminal Laws A-Z» ARS 13-1814 – Theft of Means of Transportation ARS 13-1814is the Arizona statute that defines the crime of theft of means of transportation. People commit this offense if, under certain circumstances, they take a person’s vehicle without lawful authority.
What is “auto theft” in Arizona?
Whether in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona, per A.R.S. §13-1814 “Theft of Means of Transportation” or “Auto Theft” occurs when a person controls somebody else’s vehicle with the intent to “permanently” deprive the person of that vehicle.
When does a person commit vehicle theft or car theft?
A person commits vehicle theftor car theft under this criminal code section if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly does one of the following: controls another person’s means of transportation, or vehicle, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of it,

What is the most common form of vehicle theft?
Opportunistic car theftOpportunistic car theft is one of the most common types of car theft, but because of that, it is one of the most preventable.
What is a transportation violation Arizona?
A. A person commits unlawful use of means of transportation if, without intent permanently to deprive, the person either: 1. Knowingly takes unauthorized control over another person's means of transportation.
Is stealing a car a felony in Arizona?
Arizona makes it a felony to steal a vehicle, take a vehicle for a "joyride," or steal a vehicle's engine or transmission. Felonies can result in prison time, steep fines, and a criminal record.
What is the theft of a car called?
Motor vehicle theftMotor vehicle theft (also called car theft and, in the United States, grand theft auto) is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle.
What is a felony in Arizona?
Felony in Arizona. The definition of a felony is any offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in the custody of State Department of Correction is authorized by any law. In short, it means that if you can go to prison, by being found guilty of that offense, then that is what levels out a felony.
What is a historical prior in Arizona?
DANGEROUS OFFENSES A historical prior is any Class 3 felony conviction committed within 10 years of the date of the current dangerous offense. Keep in mind that this does not mean a prior felony conviction of a dangerous offense.
How much is felony theft in Arizona?
Felony theft often has much harsher consequences. The penalties for felony theft in Arizona range from probation and no jail to 12.5 years in prison depending on the value of the item or services stolen.
What is a Class 6 felony in Arizona?
What is a Class 6 “Open” Felony? A class 6 “open” felony, also called a class 6 undesignated felony, is a crime that has the possibility of being designated a misdemeanor. If a person is convicted of a class 6 undesignated felony offense, that crime is treated as a felony during the probation period.
What is felony theft?
countable noun. In countries where the legal system distinguishes between very serious crimes and less serious ones, a felony is a very serious crime such as armed robbery.
What does theft mean in a car?
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), motor vehicle theft is defined as the taking or attempted taking of a motor vehicle without permission of the owner.
Do car thieves come back?
In the U.S., stolen cars are recovered approximately 20% of the time, according to a study by ValuePenguin. Rates vary by region. Midwest drivers see stolen car recovery rates of 24%, whereas those living in the Northeast may get their cars back only 14% of the time.
What happens if someone steals your car?
If your car is stolen, you need to contact law enforcement and file a stolen vehicle report first. Insurers won't honor an auto theft claim unless a police report has been filed. You should be prepared to tell the police everything you know about your stolen vehicle.
Is a traffic violation a crime in Arizona?
A civil traffic violation is considered a non-criminal offense, while a criminal traffic violation is classified as a crime. This means that if you are convicted of a criminal traffic offense, you will have a criminal record.
How long does a ticket stay on your record in Arizona?
How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?StateHow long a speeding ticket stays on your recordArizona1 yearArkansas3 yearsCalifornia3 years and 3 months (39 months)ColoradoCan reduce points, but incident is permanent on record46 more rows•Jul 27, 2021
How long does it take for points to come off your license in AZ?
In Arizona, points stop counting towards a suspension after 12 months, and you cannot do anything to remove points otherwise.
What is a Class 1 misdemeanor in AZ?
Class 1 misdemeanors are the most severe type of misdemeanor crime in Arizona. Convictions can come with maximum penalties of up to $2,500 in fines and 6 months in jail. They also come with collateral consequences. Judges can also impose other penalties, like community service, probation, and restitution.
How many crimes are related to theft of means of transportation?
There are three crimes related to theft of means of transportation. These are:
What is the defense of a car theft charge?
A defense, then, is for an accused to show that he had authority to take a car because the owner consented, or agreed to, the taking.
What does "transportation" mean in ARS?
Per ARS 13-1801A9, the term “ means of transportation ” simply means any vehicle.
What does "take control of another person's vehicle" mean?
takes control of another person’s vehicle knowing or having reason to know that the property is a stolen vehicle. ii. Per ARS 13-1801A9, the term “ means of transportation ” simply means any vehicle. 2.
How long is a first offense felony?
First offense felony convictions under the law are punishable by a maximum state prison term of eight years and nine months.
What is theft of means of transportation?
According to the statute, which is titled “Theft of Means of Transportation,” anyone who knowingly: Controls another person’s means of transportation without the intent of returning the vehicle; Fails to return another person’s means of transportation after borrowing the vehicle; Takes another person’s vehicle using misrepresentation with ...
What are some examples of auto theft?
Examples include: Breaking into and stealing the vehicle of an unknown person, which is what most people think of when they hear the term “auto theft.”. Obtaining permission from a friend or relative to take their means of transportation for a weekend and then failing to return it as promised.
What happens when you give consent to a car theft in Arizona?
Consent – There are occasions when an auto theft report in Arizona is issued when the original owner actually gave consent to use the vehicle and then rescinded that permission at a later date. This often occurs in close relationships, such as boyfriend/girlfriend, roommates, and family members. Often, an argument ensues between the parties and the owner of the car reports the vehicle stolen out of spite.
How to report stolen vehicle in Arizona?
Improper Police Reporting – ARS §13-1814 states that anyone who alleges their vehicle was stolen must sign an affidavit provided by the law enforcement officer who took the complaint in person. The statute does allow the affidavit to be completed and signed in front of a notary if the complaint is not taken in person. If not taken in person, the affidavit must be returned in person or by mail to the law enforcement agency who took the complaint within seven days. If the affidavit is not returned within seven days, police are supposed to remove the vehicle information from national crime databases and the Arizona criminal justice system. False affidavits could result in criminal charges against the person filing the false statement.
How long is the jail time for auto theft in Arizona?
Penalties for Auto Theft in Arizona. The minimum sentence range after a conviction for theft of means of transportation in Arizona is 2.5 to 3.5 years and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
What is a mistake of fact?
Mistake of Fact – When someone purchases an automobile or lent one to drive by a friend or family member that later turns out to be stolen, the defendant may use “mistake of fact” as a defense, as they may have been unaware the car was stolen, and that the person arrested did not intend to “permanently” deprive the original owner of the vehicle. In that case, the defendant may be guilty of a lesser offense known as “Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation” if they can prove they were unaware that the means of transportation was stolen from another individual.
Is theft of means of transportation a felony in Arizona?
The statute states that theft of means of transportation in Arizona is considered a Class 3 felony.
What proof is needed to be charged with theft of a vehicle?
For you to face charges for theft of means of transportation, the specific proof is necessary. It must be evident that you controlled another individual's means of transportation. It must also be apparent that you had the intent of permanently depriving the individual of the possession of the vehicle. You may also face charges if the car was in your possession for limited use. You will face charges if, while under your possession, you used the car in an unauthorized manner and at an unauthorized time.
How much time do you get for theft of property?
For theft of property with a value ranging from $4,000 to $25,000, you will face Class 3 felony charges. The associated penalties include imprisonment ranging from 2.5 years to 7 years.
What is the law in Arizona for failing to return a vehicle?
Theft Charges for Failing to Return a Vehicle in Default. You may face auto theft charges under Arizona law if you fail to return a vehicle that you are making payments on or leasing. The law outlines this crime as "Unlawful Failure to Return a Motor Vehicle Subject to a Security Interest.".
What happens if you commit a third auto theft in Arizona?
If you commit a third auto theft offense in Arizona, you will still receive class 3 felony charges. The associated consequences include imprisonment ranging from 7.5 years to 25 years.
How to report a stolen vehicle in Arizona?
In the state of Arizona, vehicle theft crimes have strict reporting procedures. The law requires the reporting person to produce a sworn document or an affidavit outlining the facts of the alleged crime. Typically, the law enforcement officer delivers the affidavit in person to the relevant local law enforcement agency. If the law enforcement officer does not deliver the affidavit, the reporting person should deliver or mail the affidavit to the law enforcement officer. The affidavit should be notarized and signed and should reach the relevant law enforcement agency within seven days from the date of crime reporting. If the law enforcement agency does not receive the sworn document within thirty days from the crime reporting, the vehicle theft information will no longer exist in the database. The stolen vehicle information no longer exists in the national crime information center's database. The information will also not exist in the Arizona criminal justice information system's database.
What is a class 4 felony?
If the stolen asset has a value ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, the crime is a class 4 felony and is punishable by imprisonment ranging from 1.5 years to 3 years. You will also face class 4 felony charges if you steal a vehicle engine or vehicle transmission.
What is the penalty for stealing a firearm in Arizona?
If you steal property whose value ranges between $1,000 and $2,000, you will be guilty of committing a class 6 felony, according to Arizona law. You will also face similar charges if you steal a firearm or an animal to use in animal fighting. The consequences for class 6 felony include imprisonment for a period ranging from 6 months to 1.5 years.
What is the meaning of "controls another person's means of transportation"?
1. Controls another person's means of transportation with the intent to permanently deprive the person of the means of transportation.
What does "comes into control of another person's means of transportation that is lost or misdelivered?
Comes into control of another person's means of transportation that is lost or misdelivered under circumstances providing means of inquiry as to the true owner and appropriates the means of transportation to the person's own or another's use without reasonable efforts to notify the true owner.
What is a 13-1814 affidavit?
13-1814 - Theft of means of transportation; affidavit; classification. 13-1814. Theft of means of transportation; affidavit; classification. A. A person commits theft of means of transportation if, without lawful authority, the person knowingly does one of the following: 1.
Is theft of means of transportation a felony?
D. Theft of means of transportation is a class 3 felony.
Who to contact if you have been charged with unlawful use of means of transportation?
Contact David Michael Cantor if you have been charged with Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation / Joyriding. Call Us Day or Night – 602-307-0808.
What is it called when someone steals a car in Arizona?
Whether in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona, per ARS §13-1803 “Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation ” or “Joyriding / Borrowing Without Permission” occurs when a person, without the intent to permanently deprive, knowingly takes unauthorized control of another person’s vehicle. In short, this can be more commonly known as: stealing a car, car theft, grand theft auto and auto theft.
What is illegal possession?
Unlawful possession usually occurs when a vehicle has been stolen or is being used in a way that the owner did not give permission for it to be used. Joyriding is lesser included offense of Auto-theft, and the punishments are less severe if convicted of Unlawful Means of Transportation instead of Auto-theft.
Can a group pull up in a vehicle to pick up a person?
For example, a group may pull up in a vehicle to pick-up a person, and that person may have no knowledge that the vehicle is actually stolen. If the defendant assumes the person driving has permission to drive the vehicle, then he would not be guilty of being a passenger in a “known” illegally borrowed vehicle.
Can you be charged with a crime if you are the driver?
You can be charged with this crime not only if you are the driver, but also if you are a passenger in a car and you know, or have a reason to know, that the driver is in unlawful possession of that vehicle.

How Does Arizona Law Define “Theft of Means of Transportation”?
Are There Defenses to Theft Charges Brought Under Ars 13-1814?
- The criminal justice system says that defendants have the right to challenge a charge in a criminal case with a legal defense/disclaimer. Three common defenses in these theft cases are accused people showing that: 1. the “victim” did not report the theft correctly. 2. the “victim” consented to the taking of his/her vehicle. 3. they acted out of necessity.
What Are The Defenses?
- Violations of ARS 13-1814 result in felony charges. In particular, defendants are charged with a Class 3 felony.iii First offense felony convictions under the law are punishable by a maximum state prisonterm of eight years and nine months. This punishment will increase if a defendant has a prior felony offense. Note also that if a defendant’s theft crime gets classified as a “dangerou…
Are There Related Crimes?
- There are three crimes related to theft of means of transportation. These are: 1. theft – ARS 13-1802, 2. operating a chop shop – ARS 13-4702, and 3. unlawful use of means of transportation – ARS 13-1803.
For Additional Help…
- For additional guidance or to discuss your case with a theft lawyer, we invite you to contact our law firm/law office at the Shouse Law Group. Our attorneys provide both free consultations and legal advice you can trust.