The State of Texas has strict laws in place to deal with automobile theft. Anyone who steals a vehicle or merely seems to be trying to steal one can face serious penalties.
Understanding how these laws work can help people better protect themselves and their rights.
How Texas defines auto theft
Texas law defines auto theft as taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent. This could mean physically taking the car, truck, or motorcycle or even borrowing it without permission and planning to return it later.
Whether or not someone actually intends to steal the vehicle, taking it without consent can still lead to criminal charges. In some cases, a person could receive charges of auto theft just for any involvement in the act, like helping someone steal a car or knowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.
Penalties for auto theft in Texas
The penalties for auto theft in Texas depend on the value of the vehicle and the circumstances of the crime. In general, the higher the value of the stolen vehicle, the more severe the punishment.
For example, if the stolen vehicle is worth less than $2,500, the crime is usually a misdemeanor. These offenses carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
If the vehicle is worth more than $2,500, the offense could be a state jail felony, which usually results in longer prison sentences and higher fines. Other thresholds that increase penalties are vehicle values above:
- $30,000 (third-degree felony)
- $150,000 (second-degree felony)
- $300,000 (first-degree felony)
Those the state charges as repeat offenders or as part of an organized crime ring tend to face harsher penalties.
Additionally, charges of “unauthorized use of a motor vehicle” (borrowing without consent) might appear to be less severe. However, such an offense is an automatic felony, regardless of the vehicle’s value.
Texas takes auto theft seriously, so even a first-time offense can lead to a lasting impact on a person’s life. That’s why someone facing these accusations needs to consider the possible outcome of any plea deals or defense strategies before presenting a case before the court.
