Baton Rouge Auto Theft Lawyer
Practice Areas
Theft crime rates are on the rise, and law enforcement has been cracking down on a variety of different forms of theft, including auto theft. If police suspect you of stealing a car, they could accuse you of one of many car-related theft crimes. These can include grand theft auto, carjacking, possession of a stolen vehicle, or another offense, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime.
If you’re facing an accusation of any of these crimes, you need an experienced auto theft lawyer in Baton Rouge to build a strong defense against the prosecution’s case. At the Law Offices of Ossie Brown, our Baton Rouge motor vehicle theft lawyers are dedicated to defending those accused of grand theft auto and other related car theft crimes. We understand how police investigate car theft cases and the defenses available to protect your rights.
If you are facing motor vehicle theft charges in Baton Rouge, call 225-343-1111 for a free consultation.
Motor Vehicle Theft Charges in Baton Rouge
Motor vehicle theft in Baton Rouge is prosecuted under various statutes, depending on the circumstances of the crime. These charges range from unauthorized use of a motor vehicle to grand theft auto and carjacking. The punishments depend on the vehicle’s cost, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether force was used.
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
The unauthorized use of a motor vehicle occurs when a person takes a car, truck, motorcycle, or other property used for transportation, without having ownership of the vehicle, either without the owner’s consent or under false pretenses.
However, this only applies when the offender does not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. If there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, then it cannot be considered grand theft auto.
Under La. R.S. § 14:68.4, the punishments for unauthorized use of a vehicle depend on the value of the vehicle. A Baton Rouge vehicle theft lawyer can help you understand the punishments you may be facing for this type of offense.
Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Grand Theft Auto)
If someone takes a motor vehicle with the intent to deprive the owner of their property, they could be charged with theft of a motor vehicle, or grand theft auto, as described under Louisiana law (La. R.S. § 14:67.26). It also includes acts of taking a lost or mis-delivered vehicle without making reasonable efforts to return it to its owner, or taking control of a vehicle that one knows or should have known was stolen.
Penalties for grand theft auto vary, depending on the cost of the stolen vehicle, and include misdemeanor and felony punishments.
In order to be convicted of theft of a motor vehicle, the prosecution will need to prove that you had intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, had not made attempts to return it to the owner, or knew or should have known the vehicle was stolen. A Baton Rouge grand theft auto lawyer at our firm can build a strong defense against these points, and can fight for a lesser sentence or acquittal.
Carjacking (Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft)
Under La. R.S. § 14:64.2, carjacking is defined as stealing a vehicle through the use of force while the owner, driver, or a passenger is present. Carjacking is a serious felony, with punishments ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison at hard labor, without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
If the vehicle theft offense results in serious bodily injury, the punishment increases to 20 to 50 years. Using a deadly weapon during a carjacking adds a mandatory five-year sentence. This must be served consecutively and without parole. Given these severe penalties, the legal assistance of a Baton Rouge vehicle theft attorney is incredibly important in a carjacking case.
Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
Anyone who knows, or should have known, that they possess a stolen vehicle could face prosecution for theft of a motor vehicle, even if they weren’t the one to steal the vehicle from the owner. Like grand theft auto, penalties depend on the value of the vehicle, and can include both misdemeanors and felonies.
If you’ve been charged with being in possession of a stolen vehicle, a Baton Rouge vehicle theft lawyer at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can help to prove you did not know the motor vehicle in your possession was stolen.
Chop Shops and Car Theft Rings
A chop shop is the colloquial term for a facility where individuals take stolen vehicles and dismantle them for replacement parts. They often do this to conceal that car’s involvement in a crime. Operating a chop shop and dismantling stolen cars can result in a variety of criminal charges. These include possession of a stolen vehicle, alteration or removal of a VIN number, theft of a catalytic converter or engine control module, or another related crime.
Vehicle theft rates have been on the rise, but more and more vehicles have theft deterrent devices installed during manufacturing. Possession of or use of a theft alarm deactivation device could result in additional charges. If prosecutors have accused you of involvement in a chop shop operation or a car theft ring, you could face serious legal penalties. Contact a Baton Rouge auto crime lawyer on our team today.
Falsely Reporting Motor Vehicle Theft
Under Louisiana law, if you falsely report a motor vehicle theft, you can be charged with a felony crime. Those who falsely report motor vehicles stolen in Louisiana can face up to five years in prison with or without hard labor, fines up to $5,000, or both.
Penalties for Motor Vehicle Theft in Baton Rouge
Motor vehicle theft in Louisiana can result in a range of punishments, depending on the circumstances of the crime, the cost of the vehicle and the offender’s prior convictions. Punishments can include fines, prison time, or both, and a conviction can seriously damage your personal reputation. Below are some of the legal punishments for grand theft auto or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Louisiana.
Misdemeanor Vehicle Theft
For vehicles valued at under $1,000, the offense is charges as a misdemeanor. Penalties for misdemeanor auto theft include:
- Up to six months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, or both.
If you have two or more theft charges on your record, punishments could increase to up to two years in jail, up to $2,000 in fines, or both.
Felony Vehicle Theft
Vehicles stolen or used without authorization that are valued over $1,000 can result in felony punishments. Under Louisiana law, penalties for these offenses escalate to:
- Vehicles worth more than $1,000 but less than $5,000:
- Up to 5 years in prison with or without hard labor, fines of up to $3,000, or both.
- Vehicles worth more than $5,000 but less than $25,000:
- Up to 10 years in prison with or without hard labor, fines of up to $10,000, or both.
- Vehicles worth more than $25,000:
- Up to 20 years in prison at hard labor, fines of up to $50,000, or both.
If you have other felony grand theft auto convictions on your record already, additional convictions could result in increased penalties, as described under the habitual offender law in Louisiana. If you have been charged with stealing a car, a Baton Rouge theft crime attorney can help you understand the punishments you might be facing, based on the facts of your case.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help With Auto Theft Charges in Baton Rouge, LA
Any form of auto theft in Louisiana can result in serious legal penalties, as well as damage your personal life. Anyone accused of stealing a car or other vehicle in Baton Rouge should contact the theft attorneys at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown. Our lawyers can evaluate the evidence against you and determine whether or not law enforcement violated your rights. We can also build a defense that’s tailored to your case. If possible, we can work with prosecutors to achieve a plea deal that’s in your favor. No matter what type of vehicle theft crime you’re facing, we can help fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact a Baton Rouge Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown Today!
Don’t let an accusation of grand theft auto damage your reputation and deprive you of your freedom. If you’re facing auto theft charges, a Baton Rouge theft lawyer at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can provide you with skilled representation, from the start of your case until the end. Our criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience handling a variety of theft cases, including auto theft cases, and can develop a strong defense strategy on your behalf.
Call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free case evaluation to discuss the motor vehicle theft charges against you.
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