Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Oklahoma City is a felony offense. If convicted, you could spend time in state prison.
Auto theft is described in Oklahoma Statutes as the unauthorized use of a car. Also, this law includes implements of animal husbandry belonging to someone else.
Burden Of Proof
The prosecutor must prove the following four elements beyond a shadow of a doubt to get you convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Oklahoma City.
- A person not entitled to possession of a vehicle
- without the consent of the owner
- with the intent deprive the owner either temporarily or permanently of the car,
- takes, uses, or drives the vehicle.
Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 4-102
If the person has been previously given permission to use the vehicle, but they take it on another occasion without permission, they can be found guilty under this definition.
Penalties
Oklahoma Statutes do not describe the punishment that should be meted out upon conviction for unauthorized possession of the motor vehicle. Thus, the general penalties for a felony in Oklahoma City apply.
If convicted of this crime, you could face up to two years in prison, pay a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Also, you may be required to pay restitution to the owner of the vehicle.
What An Attorney Can Do For You
If you are facing charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, you can present a solid defense in court to improve your chances of being acquitted.
You can tell the court that you had permission to use the vehicle for the time you had it if this was the case. Also, you could present a defense stating that you did not intend to defraud the owner of the vehicle.
However, such a defense might not go well if you represent yourself in court. It takes the skill and acuity of an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney to discount any one of the elements that the prosecutor must prove. A solid defense requires a legal expert with the ability to stand up to the prosecutor.
So, do not fumble with your side of the story. Get the help you need right away.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation with an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney, call Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Law Firm – Oklahoma City at 405-888-5400.
You can also submit an email question from the top right corner of this page. We will respond to all questions as soon as possible.