San Antonio Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle Attorney

Expert Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle Attorneys in San Antonio, Texas

In Texas, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) is a criminal offense outlined in Section 31.07 of the Texas Penal Code. This offense occurs when a person intentionally or knowingly operates someone else’s vehicle without the owner’s consent. UUMV is treated as a serious crime in Texas and is classified as a state jail felony. A conviction for UUMV can lead to penalties of up to two years in state jail and fines of up to $10,000.

Several factors can influence the severity of UUMV charges and the associated penalties. For instance, if the vehicle was used to commit an additional crime, such as robbery or burglary, the charges and consequences can become more severe. Additionally, repeat offenses may lead to harsher penalties, particularly if the individual has a prior conviction for UUMV or a similar crime.

If you’re facing UUMV charges, consulting a San Antonio Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle attorney is essential. An experienced attorney can help clarify the charges, investigate potential defenses, and advocate for you in court to protect your rights. With skilled legal representation, you’ll have a better understanding of your options and a dedicated ally to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Contact the San Antonio Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle Lawyers Today

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 San Antonio unauthorized use of a motor vehicle lawyer 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 contact Mr. Thornton for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.