Depending on the level of the offense and your criminal background, you may be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for any type of car theft in Oklahoma City. Grand theft auto in particular can lead to serious punishments. Even for the lesser crime of joyriding, you will face jail time and monetary fines. The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between grand theft auto and joyriding in Oklahoma.
Joyriding
The main difference between grand theft auto and joyriding is that with joyriding there isno intent to permanently deprive the owner of possession of the vehicle. Joyriding — a misdemeanor crime — is covered in Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1435, which states:
“ …it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to loiter in or upon any automobile or motor vehicle, or to deface or injure such automobile or motor vehicle, or to molest, drive, or attempt to drive any automobile, for joyriding or any other purpose, or to manipulate or meddle with any machinery or appliances thereof without the consent of the owner of such automobile or motor vehicle.”
If convicted of joyriding in Oklahoma, your punishment will be a fine between $100 and $500, up to a year in jail, or both.
Grand Theft Auto
Grand theft auto is a more serious offense. Grand theft auto is the theft of anything worth more than $500. Since most vehicles are worth more than $500, grand theft auto is a felony in Oklahoma.
Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 4-102 states:
“A person not entitled to possession of a vehicle or implement of husbandry who, without the consent of the owner and with intent to deprive the owner, temporarily or otherwise, of the vehicle or implement of husbandry or its possession, takes, uses or drives the vehicle or implement of husbandry shall be guilty of a felony.”
If you are convicted of grand theft auto, you will face 3 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. You will also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim. So, if you’ve been charged with stealing a car, its imperative that you seek legal counsel immediately to avoid the most severe consequences.
Low-cost Consultation: Oklahoma City Felony Defense Attorney
Joyriding in Oklahoma City may seem like no big deal, but you can actually face steep penalties.
If you’ve been accused of a crime, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW).
If you prefer, send your question directly to an Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney by using the contact form at the top right side of this page.
All inquiries are confidential. Also, your first consultation is low-cost.