Defending Criminal Charges for Temporarily Taking a Car
A joyriding charge in Utah (unauthorized control over a motor vehicle) could result in a felony conviction, a prison term of up to five years, and thousands of dollars in fines.
If you are facing criminal charges, it is critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation. See what the right defense team can do for you.
The best criminal defense attorneys insist on fair courtroom procedures that respect clients’ rights.
Elements of a Joyriding Charge in Utah
Utah technically has no crime called “joyriding.” Under Utah’s criminal code, the crime commonly referred to as “joyriding” is called “unauthorized control over a motor vehicle.” Unlike motor vehicle theft, “unauthorized control” only requires that the person charged have the intent to “temporarily” deprive the owner of the vehicle.
Many joyriding charges in Utah begin as vehicle theft cases. If the vehicle is not returned before police locate it, a prosecutor or jury may conclude that the person with the car never intended to return it.
If a person has the intent to keep the vehicle, the charge becomes a second degree felony vehicle theft punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If you are charged with vehicle theft, a good criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a misdemeanor joyriding charge.
The best attorneys understand your case involves more than just what happens in court.
Penalties for Joyriding Convictions in Utah
The severity of a joyriding conviction in Utah can depend on the length of time that the vehicle is missing. If the vehicle is gone for more than 24 hours, a third degree felony may be charged with potential punishment of up to five years in prison. If the vehicle is returned within 24 hours, it is typically charged as a class A misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail.
The time periods involved in determining the level of a joyriding charge are premised on the idea that the defendant is the person who returns the vehicle. If police recover the vehicle and return it within the 24 period, the charge can still be filed as a third degree felony.
A third degree felony can also be filed for joyriding if the vehicle is damaged while under the control of the defendant.
A good defense strategy should be designed to help you achieve your goals.
Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are facing joyriding charges or prosecution for other Utah crimes, you need an experienced criminal attorney on your side. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and learn how the right attorney can make a difference for you.
