CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Auto Theft
Representing Clients In Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee County, and all over the State of Michigan.
In Michigan, auto theft is a criminal offense that occurs when someone takes another person’s vehicle without their permission, with the intent to keep it or sell it. Auto theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case and the value of the vehicle.
Without a Michigan criminal defense attorney by your side, facing these charges can result in the maximum punishments and consequences being applied.
What Michigan Law Says About Auto Theft
If you have been charged with auto theft in Michigan, it is important to understand your rights and the potential defenses that may be available to you. Some potential defenses to auto theft in Michigan include:
- Lack of intent: In order to be found guilty of auto theft, the prosecutor must prove that you intended to take the vehicle without permission and keep it or sell it. If you did not have this intent, you may be able to argue that you did not commit the crime.
- Mistaken identity: If you were misidentified as the person who committed the crime, you may be able to use this as a defense.
- Lack of knowledge: If you did not know that the vehicle was stolen when you took it, you may be able to use this as a defense.
- Duress: If you were forced to take the vehicle against your will by someone else, you may be able to use duress as a defense.
- Necessity: If you took the vehicle in order to avoid a greater harm or danger, you may be able to use necessity as a defense.
What is Unlawfully Driving Away A Vehicle? (UDAA)
It is important to note that these are just a few of the potential defenses that may be available to you in an auto theft case. It is always best to consult with a criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and the best defenses for your situation.
In Michigan, the crime of unlawfully driving away an automobile (UDAA) occurs when someone takes another person’s vehicle without their permission, and then drives it away. UDAA is a specific type of auto theft that is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
To be found guilty of UDAA in Michigan, the prosecutor must prove that you took another person’s vehicle without their permission, and then drove it away. The prosecutor must also prove that you had the intent to keep the vehicle or sell it.
If you are charged with UDAA in Michigan, it is important to understand your rights and the potential defenses that may be available to you.
It is important to note that these are just a few of the potential defenses that may be available to you in a UDAA case. It is always best to consult with a criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and the best defenses for your situation.
Call an Attorney who can defend your rights!
An Auto Theft charge is not something you want to fight on your own. Prison sentences can be extended and the fines paid are also heavy, not to mention your affected criminal record. If you find yourself in this situation you will need an experienced lawyer who knows how to fight for you. Call Duplessis Law for reliable defense against your case.