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Castle Rock Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer

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Castle Rock Motor Vehicle Theft Attorney

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Home > Castle Rock Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer

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Being accused of motor vehicle theft can turn your whole world upside down. Suddenly you’re facing serious felony charges that could land you in prison for years. The prosecutors seem dead set on convicting you, no matter what really happened. It’s enough to make anyone feel helpless and alone.

But you still have rights. And with an experienced Castle Rock motor vehicle theft lawyer on your side, you can fight the charges and protect your future.

We’ll walk through Colorado’s motor vehicle theft laws and penalties so you understand exactly what you’re up against. We’ll also explain how a dedicated lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, build a strong defense, and advocate for you every step of the way.

The Legal Definition of Motor Vehicle Theft

Let’s start by looking at how the law actually defines motor vehicle theft here in Colorado. Essentially, it boils down to one key factor – taking someone else’s vehicle without permission.

You don’t necessarily have to drive off with the car or truck. Simply climbing inside or otherwise temporarily gaining control through deception can qualify. It all comes down to acting “without authorization.” The timing of control and means by which control was obtained can also affect the charges.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges

Colorado gets more specific when it comes to the penalties. There are four main categories based on the value of the vehicle involved:

Offense Statute Classification Sentence Fine
Aggravated motor vehicle theft C.R.S. 18-4-409 Class 3 felony 4-12 years prison $3,000-$750,000
First degree motor vehicle theft C.R.S. 18-4-409 Class 4 felony 2-6 years prison $2,000-$500,000
Second degree motor vehicle theft C.R.S. 18-4-409 Class 5 felony 1-3 years prison $1,000-$100,000
Misdemeanor motor vehicle theft C.R.S. 18-4-409 Class 1 misdemeanor Up to 12 months Up to $10,000

As shown in the table, Colorado takes motor vehicle theft seriously, with lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines possible depending on the circumstances of the offense. Factors like the value of the stolen vehicle, the location it was taken from, and the defendant’s criminal history will also be considered in determining penalties. Consulting an experienced Castle Rock criminal defense attorney can help those charged with motor vehicle theft better understand their options and build an effective defense.

castle rock criminal defense attorney

The Potential Penalties Extend Beyond Fines and Imprisonment

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The punishments ramp up quickly for felonies. You could realistically be facing years behind bars along with fines in the thousands of dollars. Even misdemeanors can mean months in jail plus hundreds in fines. And those are just the basics. You may face additional consequences like restitution to the victim and suspension of your driver’s license.

Certain circumstances can make the charges even more serious. Altering the appearance of the car, removes the vehicle from the state, , or causing property damage while committing the theft are all “aggravating factors” that could mean harsher penalties.

With so much at stake, protecting your rights and future requires a strategic defense.

How an Experienced Lawyer Builds a Strong Defense

Facing criminal charges for motor vehicle theft can feel overwhelming. But with an experienced attorney on your side, you gain a dedicated ally who will leave no stone unturned in investigating the facts, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and building a defense aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for you.

After a thorough review of all evidence and a candid discussion of your legal options, we will develop a defense strategy tailored specifically to the details of your case. For instance, we may argue you never intended to permanently deprive the owner of their vehicle or that police failed to properly advise you of your rights upon arrest. Leveraging a deep knowledge of Colorado motor vehicle theft laws, we can also identify improper procedures, inconsistencies in testimony, or other opportunities to cast doubt on the charges.

We will then negotiate tenaciously with prosecutors, pushing at every opportunity for charges to be reduced or dismissed. Should the case reach the trial stage, we have the courtroom skills to effectively cross-examine the state’s witnesses and present persuasive evidence and testimony in your defense.

With an intimate understanding of the local courts and a proven record of success, we are determined to build the strongest possible case for an outcome that protects your future. Our sole focus is using every legal means within our power to secure justice for you.

Why Our Castle Rock Attorneys Are the Right Choice

With decades of experience successfully defending motor vehicle theft cases in Castle Rock and Douglas County, our attorneys have the deep knowledge of local courts, prosecutors, and investigation procedures to build the strongest possible defense for your case. Just as importantly, we provide the compassionate counsel and personalized attention clients need during such a stressful time.

Success for us means more than just a favorable legal outcome. It means supporting you through every step of the process with respect and empathy. We understand these charges turn lives upside down, and we’re committed to guiding you through the chaos with clarity and care.

Our track record speaks for itself – positive results for good people facing tough circumstances. But we measure our performance by more than win-loss ratios. It’s about giving each client the individual time and understanding they deserve. Fighting for your rights becomes personal for us because we view you as more than just a case. You’re a person who needs an unwavering ally in their corner.

If you or a loved one are under investigation or charged with motor vehicle theft crimes, please reach out to Right Law Group immediately for a free consultation. Let’s sit down, hear your story, and develop an action plan together. You don’t need to go through this alone when compassionate, experienced criminal defense attorneys are ready to stand by your side. Defending your rights and your future is our top priority.

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Resources

Colorado criminal procedure

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  • Arrest or
    Summons
    01

    Arrest or
    Summons

    The process begins with either an arrest or a summons. The accused is either arrested or served with paperwork summoning them to appear in court. During an arrest, Miranda rights may or may not be read to you. Officers are only required to recite your rights if they intend to question you about potentially incriminating things.

  • Bond Hearing
    02

    Bond Hearing

    In most cases, you're entitled to have a reasonable bond set after you've been arrested. In situations involving domestic violence, the police will request input from the victim before setting a bond. Bonds are set to ensure that a person appears in court at their court dates. If they don’t show up, they forfeit the money that was paid for the bond.

  • Advisement of
    Charges
    03

    Advisement of
    Charges

    Whether you are arrested or given a summons to appear, the court must make sure you understand what crimes you are being accused of committing. This is called advisement of charges. The District Attorney will detail the specific charges against you, and the Judge has to make sure you understand what possible penalties are associated with that charge in the state.

  • Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)
    04

    Preliminary Hearing
    (for Higher Felony
    Charges)

    A preliminary hearing is a way for your defense attorney to challenge the District Attorney’s right to bring charges against you by making them prove that there is reason to believe you committed a crime. The Judge is not deciding your guilt or innocence, but rather whether or not there is probable cause to charge you with the crime in question.

  • Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing
    05

    Pretrial Conference /
    Disposition
    Hearing

    This court date comes after your attorney has reviewed all of the reports and evidence in your case. Here’s where your attorney will engage in plea negotiations with the DA. If they can reach an agreement on the case, you may be able to take a plea bargain. If they cannot reach a resolution, your case will be set for an arraignment or trial date.

  • Arraignment
    06

    Arraignment

    An arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you choose to plea. Guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, then the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, you and your attorney will then set the case for trial.

  • Motions Hearing
    07

    Motions Hearing

    A motion hearing is when an attorney makes a request that requires a decision from the judge. For example, motions to suppress evidence or statements. These motions can limit the information that goes before a jury if it benefits your case, and there are legal grounds for doing so.

  • Pretrial Readiness
    Conference
    08

    Pretrial Readiness
    Conference

    A pretrial readiness conference is held at some point before trial. It usually is held about a week to a month before the date trial is set to begin. This court date ensures everyone is ready to go to trial on the set date. It is also a time for lawyers to bring up any issues they may have to be addressed before the day of trial.

  • Jury Trial
    09

    Jury Trial

    After a jury is selected for trial, the District Attorney’s responsibility is to present the case to the jury. The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of the crime. Otherwise, the jury must find you innocent. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine all of the witnesses, present evidence, and ultimately help you navigate this process.

  • Sentencing
    Date
    10

    Sentencing
    Date

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you plead guilty. The Judge’s decision is based on the listed penalties for the specific charge, recommendations from the presentence investigation, your criminal history, as well as statements made at the sentencing by the District Attorney, your attorney, you, and any named victims of the crime.

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Colorado Statutes

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Assault

Burglary

Drug Offenses

Trespass, Tampering and Criminal Mischief

Frequently Asked Questions

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When does taking a vehicle from a garage bring aggravated charges?

Taking a vehicle from an attached garage brings aggravated motor vehicle theft charges, even if the vehicle has a low value.

What if the stolen vehicle gets damaged?

Additional charges for criminal mischief may apply if the stolen vehicle is damaged during the theft.

What happens if you are charged with theft for unknowingly receiving a stolen vehicle?

An attorney may be able to get charges dismissed or reduced by arguing you had no knowledge the vehicle was stolen and that the transfer appeared legitimate.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Right Law Group Is the Colorado Criminal Defense Team for You

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Facing motor vehicle theft charges in Castle Rock can make you feel like the system is stacked against you. Police seem unwilling to listen, and prosecutors are dead set on a conviction, no matter the circumstances. It’s easy to feel frustrated and alone when your future hangs in the balance.

But there is hope. At Right Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of clients facing criminal charges by providing relentless and zealous defense. As former prosecutors and District Attorneys, we know the system inside out. We’ve spent decades compiling the experience, knowledge, and skills to advocate fiercely for justice. Clients recognize our commitment, with over 500 positive reviews affirming that we get results.

With locations throughout Colorado, we’re conveniently positioned to become the ally you need during this difficult time. If you or a loved one have been charged with motor vehicle theft, call us now for dedicated legal guidance. Our team is ready to intervene, thoroughly investigate the facts, expose weaknesses in the state’s case, and craft a defense focused on uncovering the truth. Don’t let the system label you unfairly – fight back with a law firm that knows what it takes to win. Call Right Law Group today and take the first step toward protecting your future with a free case review.

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Areas Served

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El Paso County

Douglas County

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Arapahoe County

  • Centennial
  • Englewood
  • Greenwood Village
  • Cherry Hills Village
  • Foxfield
  • Sheridan
  • Columbine Valley
  • Byers
  • Southglenn
  • Castlewood
  • Peoria

Pueblo County

Teller County

Fremont County

  • Coaldale
  • Cotopaxi
  • Hillside
  • Howard
  • Texas Creek
  • Wellsville