Theft of Means of Transportation

What is commonly referred to as auto theft is charged under A.R.S. § 13-1814. This is always a felony, regardless of the vehicle’s value.

Penalties

Class 3 felony. A first-time offender faces probation with up to one year in jail, or prison of 2 to 8.75 years. With one prior felony, the range is 3.5 to 16.25 years, prison-mandatory.

Defenses

Defenses focus on lawful authority, consent, or challenging the intent to permanently deprive. In cases involving borrowed vehicles or disputes between acquaintances, the line between civil and criminal conduct is often thin.