Auto Theft Crimes in Oklahoma Explained

Auto Theft Crimes in Oklahoma are on the rise. Possession of a stolen vehicle is a felony crime in Oklahoma. Under Oklahoma’s Motor Code, it is illegal for a person not entitled to the possession of a vehicle to receive, possess, conceal, sell, or dispose of the vehicle. Its also important that the accused knows the car is stolen (47 § 4-103). No person can be convicted of possession of a stolen vehicle unless the prosecution has proven certain elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. These include:

Receiving/concealing/disposing/possession of a stolen vehicle;

Knowing the vehicle or motorcycle is stolen or was converted;

Must Be Entitled To the Vehicle.

Being entitled to a vehicle means that you have legal grounds to have the vehicle. This is a tricky area of the law but you would typically have to show that you actually believed that you bought the vehicle and that the vehicle was yours. An example of evidence showing that you knew or should have known the car is stolen is if you pay $100.00 for a $10,000.00 car. The point is that this price just doesn’t make sense looked at from the perspective of a reasonable person.

Penalties For Auto Theft in Oklahoma Are Serious.

Possession of a stolen vehicle is a felony offense in Oklahoma that can go on your permanent record. Upon conviction, you will be guilty of a felony punishable for up to 2 years. If there is any evidence that you had stolen the vehicle yourself, you could be charged with Grand Theft Auto. This is a felony offense punishable by 3-10 years in prison (47 § 4-103). With the increase in the number of auto theft the government is aggressively prosecuting theft crimes.

Auto Theft  Crimes Attorneys in Tulsa

If you have been accused of possession of a stolen vehicle in Oklahoma, you should contact a qualified Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney in your area. We defend theft-related offenses frequently. Call our Tulsa attorneys toady for a free and confidential consultation.