Car and Auto Theft Defense Attorney in Knoxville, TN

Knox County Lawyer for Clients Charged With Motor Vehicle Theft, Joyriding, and Carjacking

Have you or a member of your family been charged with any type of motor vehicle theft? If so, you could be facing severe criminal consequences and a record that could follow you for the rest of your life. At the Knox County law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand the severity of motor vehicle theft charges, and we know how a conviction could affect your future. Our team is equipped to help you build an aggressive, responsible defense against whatever charges you may be facing.

Types of Motor Vehicle Theft in Tennessee

Over the last two decades or so, a number of popular video games have made motor vehicle theft a significant part of their storylines. Such depictions seem to suggest that there are few consequences for stealing a car and other acts of theft or violence. In the real world, however, theft of a motor vehicle is an extremely serious offense. Each year, law enforcement agencies in Tennessee and across the country spend many hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours combating car theft in all of its forms.

Under Tennessee law, there are three basic types of motor vehicle theft, including:

• Joyriding: The offense of joyriding refers to taking another person's car, truck, boat, bicycle, or other vehicle without the owner's permission but without intent to keep or sell the vehicle or otherwise deprive the owner. Joyriding is a Class A misdemeanor.
• Theft of a motor vehicle: The most common form of vehicle theft is stealing a car or truck that is parked and unoccupied. This falls under Tennessee's property theft laws. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the stolen vehicle. Theft of a vehicle valued at under $1,000 is a Class A misdemeanor, while more valuable vehicles may bring felony charges.
• Carjacking: Joyriding and theft are considered to be property crimes under Tennessee law, but carjacking is considered a crime against a person. Taking another person's vehicle from his or her possession by use of force, intimidation, or a deadly weapon is considered carjacking. Carjacking is a Class B felony.

The penalties associated with motor vehicle theft charges are dependent on the specifics of each case. Misdemeanor charges for theft or joyriding carry up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Felony charges could result in up to 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Mascot, TN Lawyer for Complex Theft Cases

Attorney Jeffrey Coller is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has helped many clients obtain favorable outcomes in a wide variety of cases, including motor vehicle theft. He and his team recognize that you could find yourself caught up in a car theft enterprise and not even realize it. Under Tennessee law, motor vehicle theft charges can be brought against individuals who buy stolen vehicles, as well as those who steal them. If you are being investigated in connection with a vehicle you have recently purchased, we can help you protect your rights and your future. It will be up to prosecutors to show that you knowingly bought a stolen car, and we can help you prove your innocence.

At our firm, we understand that, depending on the circumstances, your best option might be to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. In some situations, you may even be eligible for a reduced sentence in exchange for your cooperation with authorities. Before you agree to any deals, however, it is crucial to speak with an attorney.

Contact Our Knoxville Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Lawyers

To learn more about our firm and our approach to motor vehicle theft cases, contact our office. Call 865-281-1000 for a free, no-obligation consultation today. Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, represents clients in Knox County, Campbell County, Union County, Anderson County, and the surrounding areas.