Car Theft Defense Attorneys

Under Michigan law, a person accused of car theft can face various felony and misdemeanor charges. Because of the state’s automotive manufacturing history, vehicle theft offenses carry stiff penalties.

Types of Car Theft Offenses

If someone steals an unoccupied vehicle, the severity of the offense depends on the vehicle’s value and the defendant’s criminal history. Top, experienced car theft defense attorneys will fight to get charges dismissed or reduced. Just because an offense is punishable by jail time does not mean that jail is mandatory. Even when things look grim, an expert can help turn the tables in your favor.

A Michigan car theft defense attorney can help you if you face vehicle theft allegations. As explained below, various defenses to car theft can result in the dismissal or reduction of charges. Jail is not mandatory for any car theft offense other than stealing a vehicle from a person under force (carjacking is a life-maximum offense).

• Larceny of a Vehicle – Value over $20,000 or two prior larceny convictions – Maximum of 10 years in prison.
• Larceny of a Vehicle – Value between $1,000 and $20,000 or 1 prior larceny conviction – Maximum five (5) years in prison.Larceny of a Vehicle – Value between $200 and $1,000 or one previous larceny ordinance violation – Maximum one year in jail.
• Failure to Return a Rented Vehicle – Value over $20,000 – Maximum of 10 years in prison.Failure to Return a Rented Vehicle – Value between $1,000 and $20,000 – Maximum 5 years in prison.Failure to Return a Rented Vehicle – Value between $200 and $1,000 – Maximum one year in jail.
• Driving Away a Vehicle without Permission (Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile) – Maximum five (5) years in prison.
• Unlawful Use of a Vehicle Without the Intent to Steal – Maximum two (2) years in prison.Unlawful Use of a Vehicle – First Offense – Maximum can be reduced from two (2) years to 90 days.
• Larceny of a Vehicle by Conversion – Maximum of either 5 or 10 years, depending on the vehicle’s value.
• Carjacking – Up to life in prison.

Defenses to Car Theft in Michigan

There are several defenses to car theft charges in Michigan. Your best hope of building a winning defense is with a credible, respected car theft defense lawyer.

• No intent to steal – If someone drives a vehicle but does not intend to permanently deprive the owner of the car, the offense is less serious than car theft.
• Mistaken identity – Sometimes, the wrong person is accused of taking property.
• Duress – People are not guilty if they take a vehicle to prevent more significant harm (like driving a gravely injured person to the hospital).
• Claim of right – A person with a right to possession of a vehicle cannot be guilty of stealing it from a co-owner.
• False allegation – If the vehicle owner falsely alleges that another person stole a vehicle, the defense would be that the crime never happened.

“Do I have to go to jail for car theft?”

Except for carjacking, jail is not mandatory for any vehicle theft-related offense. Although jail is not mandatory, judges and prosecutors take a harsh approach to vehicle theft. As a result of auto theft, everyone, including prosecutors and judges, pays higher insurance rates. Because of the widespread financial impact of these offenses, a sentencing judge might feel it is incumbent on them to use a jail sentence as an attempt to deter others in the community.

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. leaves no stone unturned in our fight to keep clients out of jail. In many cases, we can prevent a conviction altogether. Our mission as top defense lawyers in Michigan is to do whatever it takes to get charges dismissed, when possible. If a conviction is unavoidable, we will passionately and effectively advocate for reduced charges and a lenient sentence. A punitive sentence, like jail, can likely be avoided if a skilled lawyer persuades a judge to focus on rehabilitation, as opposed to punishment.

“What should I do if someone accuses me of car theft?”

If you face car theft allegations, it is essential to remain silent, do not talk with law enforcement, and hire counsel as soon as possible. A savvy, experienced defense lawyer can convince the police or prosecutor to consider charging a less severe offense if they’ve not yet filed charges. Additionally, someone with retained counsel is likely to be allowed to avoid arrest through an agreement for self-surrender.

How can highly respected car theft defense attorneys, such as the lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., help me?

Facing a car theft charge can threaten your freedom, reputation, and future. When the stakes are this high, you need a defense team with the skill, experience, and credibility to fight for you. The highly respected attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. bring decades of success in defending clients charged with auto theft and related crimes.

From the moment you hire us, we take immediate action to protect your rights. We thoroughly investigate the evidence, challenge any illegal searches or arrests, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our team works relentlessly to suppress damaging evidence, uncover favorable facts, and present the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

In many cases, early intervention makes a critical difference. We negotiate directly with prosecutors to seek dismissals, charge reductions, or alternative resolutions whenever possible. When cases go to trial, we build persuasive defenses tailored to the specific facts and aggressively advocate for acquittals.

Our reputation for excellence and our history of success carry weight with judges, prosecutors, and juries. We leverage that credibility to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a favorable plea bargain or winning at trial. When you work with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., you can trust that every legal avenue will be explored to protect your rights and future.

Michigan’s Top Car Theft Defense Team

The lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. work as a team and collaborate on every client’s case. Using a team approach, we consistently achieve results that many other lawyers are incapable of obtaining. With our firm, you get experienced lawyers, a fearless defense, loyal and aggressive advocacy, experienced investigators, outstanding communication and client relations, and an unparalleled track record of success. Call us today for a free consultation. We will find a way to help you!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!