SOUTHERN BORN
TEXAS RAISED
%20(300%20%C3%97%20100%20px)%20(600%20%C3%97%20200%20px)%20(1200%20%C3%97%20400%20px).png)
© 2023 by Thornton Criminal Defense, PLLC.
Atascosa Office:
216 N Bryant St
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR
PERSONALIZED ATTENTION TO YOUR CASE
NO HOURLY RATES, ALWAYS A FLAT FEE
CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH TO YOUR CASE
BOARD CERTIFIED IN CRIMINAL LAW
OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW
WHY HIRE THORNTON CRIMINAL DEFENSE?
Attorney Brad Thornton is a highly experienced and Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer. With his background as a former Chief Prosecutor, he has a unique understanding of the criminal justice system and is able to provide comprehensive and effective representation to his clients. He is also deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals receive fair treatment in court, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Brad Thornton is dedicated to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case, whether it is in San Antonio or elsewhere in South Texas. He recognizes the stress and anxiety that can come with being accused of a crime, and approaches his clients with compassion while keeping them informed at every step of the process. His knowledge and experience make him a strong advocate for his clients.
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV)
Texas Penal Code § 31.07 - UNAUTH USE VEH
UUMV Attorney in San Antonio, Texas
In Texas, the criminal offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) is defined in Section 31.07 of the Texas Penal Code. This offense occurs when an individual intentionally or knowingly operates a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner.
UUMV is a serious crime in Texas and is considered a state jail felony. If convicted, an individual could face up to two years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
There are several factors that can contribute to the severity of the charges and potential penalties for UUMV. For example, if the individual used the vehicle in the commission of another crime (such as robbery or burglary), the charges and penalties may be more severe. Additionally, if the individual has previously been convicted of UUMV or a similar offense, the penalties for a subsequent offense may be more severe.
If you have been charged with UUMV in Texas, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential defenses available to you and can represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected.
What is the Difference Between UUMV and Theft in Texas
The state legislature created the offense of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) in order to criminalize the act of taking and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. This offense was created to protect the property rights of vehicle owners and to deter individuals from taking vehicles without permission.
UUMV is distinct from the crime of theft in Texas. Under Texas law, theft occurs when an individual unlawfully appropriates property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property. In contrast, UUMV does not require an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle. Instead, it only requires that the individual intentionally or knowingly operated the vehicle without the owner's consent.
In other words, UUMV is a specific type of theft that involves the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, while theft can involve the unlawful appropriation of any type of property. The specific charges and penalties that an individual may face will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the property involved.
Punishment Ranges
Level of Offense
Potential Incarceration
Potential Fine
First-degree Felony
Second-degree Felony
Third-degree Felony
State Jail Felony
Class A Misdemeanor
Class B Misdemeanor
2 - 10 years in prison
180 days - 2 years in jail
Up to 1 year in jail
Up to 180 days in jail
2 - 20 years in prison
5 - 99 years in prison
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $10,000
Up to $4,000
Up to $2,000
Defenses to UUMV in Texas
There are several potential defenses that an individual charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) in Texas may raise in court. Some of the possible defenses include:
1. Consent: If the individual had the owner's consent to use the vehicle, they may be able to raise this as a defense. In order to successfully raise this defense, the individual must be able to provide evidence of the owner's consent, such as a written agreement or a witness who can testify to the consent.
2. Mistaken identity: If the individual was wrongly accused of UUMV and was not the person who took and operated the vehicle, they may be able to raise this as a defense. In order to successfully raise this defense, the individual must be able to provide evidence that they were not the person who took and operated the vehicle.
3. Duress: If the individual took and operated the vehicle under duress (such as being threatened with physical harm if they did not take the vehicle), they may be able to raise this as a defense. In order to successfully raise this defense, the individual must be able to provide evidence that they took the vehicle due to the threat of harm.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the potential defenses that may be available in a UUMV case. The specific defenses that may be available will depend on the unique circumstances of the case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the potential defenses available to you and can represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected.
Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton
If you have been arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) in San Antonio or South Texas, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential defenses available to you, and can represent you in court to ensure that your rights are protected.
Board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton is an experienced and highly qualified attorney who has successfully represented clients charged with UUMV and other criminal offenses in San Antonio and South Texas. As a former Chief Prosecutor, Mr. Thornton has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and how to effectively defend against criminal charges.
If you are facing UUMV charges, Mr. Thornton can provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case and advise you on the best course of action. He will take the time to listen to your side of the story and advise you on the legal options available to you.
Mr. Thornton has a reputation for being a skilled and aggressive advocate for his clients, and he is dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case. If you have been arrested for UUMV in San Antonio or South Texas, don't hesitate to call Mr. Thornton for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.
FORMER PROSECUTOR
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney Brad Thornton has spent years in court rooms fighting for justice. As a prosecutor, Brad was a leader on cases ranging from marijuana to murder from arrest to appeal. Who better to fight for your rights than someone who knows the "other side" and has tried the toughest of cases out there. Put his experience and knowledge to work for you.
David I.
Seguin, Texas
Brad was great from the moment he looked at my case. Despite his busy schedule, he made himself easily available, walked us through every detail with care and professionalism, and worked out a great deal with the prosecutor that was much better than any outcome we could have imagined. I don’t plan on needing his assistance again, but if I’m ever unfortunate enough to find myself in another legal bind, Brad will be my first call.
Brian F.
San Antonio, Texas
I have had the opportunity to know Brad both personally and professionally for a while now. As a fellow attorney, I am consistently impressed by his passion and innovative approach to legal issues. He is exceptionally intelligent and is always willing to go above and beyond for his clients. When I refer clients to Brad, I have full confidence that they will receive top-quality representation.
Elaine B.
San Antonio, Texas
Brad is an amazing attorney, and I highly recommend him! He has deep knowledge and understanding how to navigate the law to support his clients. He has a way with people, and truly has his focus on client care and supporting them, during a time that’s usually stressful for clients. He was able to support in getting my case dismissed in less than 2 months and was attentive and personable during the whole process. You have a choice when deciding who’s going to represent you, and to have an attorney that genuinely cares for his clients should be an expectation anyone should set. Brad will meet that expectation 110%!
Kevin E.
Jourdanton, Texas
[Brad] made the process very easy for me, handling everything within a month, with a motion to dismiss all cases against me. I only had to attend court once! The portal he uses to make sure you are aware of everything going on in your case is awesome, I didn’t even have to worry everything got downloaded to the portal with email notifications. I would never use another attorney to represent me, he is the best at what he does.