Why Choose Us?
Effective and Experienced Advocates
If you have been charged with auto theft, you have a tough fight ahead of you and need an advocate to represent you against the state. At the Law Office of Kevin Cahill, we have appeared alongside countless clients to defend them against criminal charges and their consequences. A look at our track record shows that we understand how to obtain desirable results for clients.
At the Law Office of Kevin Cahill, we have:
- Around-the-clock availability for clients
- A winning track record
- Caring, aggressive defense lawyers
- No-cost consultations for new clients.
If you have been charged with auto theft, time is of the essence. Your future depends on robust defense, and the Law Office of Kevin Cahill can provide this for you.
Get the robust defense and on-point guidance you’re entitled to. To learn how our auto theft defense attorneys in Denver can help, contact the Law Office of Kevin Cahill at 720-445-9887 today.
Auto Theft Charges in Denver
Colorado defines auto theft as the unauthorized use of another’s vehicle. This occurs in many ways, such as through the use of threats and deception or through forceful entry into a vehicle.
Auto theft charges in Colorado are divided into three degrees according to their seriousness. All three degrees are felony charges and include the following, from least to most serious:
- Third-degree auto theft
- Second-degree auto theft
- First-degree auto theft.
Third-degree auto theft applies to first- and second-time offenders in situations where no aggravating factors are present. It is your basic auto theft charge.
Second-degree auto theft occurs when an aggravating factor exists, such as:
- Theft of a vehicle with disability plates
- Use of the stolen vehicle to commit another crime
- Occurrence of bodily injury while in control of the stolen vehicle
- Remaining in possession of the stolen vehicle for 24 hours or more
- Altering or attempting to alter the vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Altering or attempting to alter the appearance of the stolen vehicle.
Finally, to be charged with motor vehicle theft in the first degree, you must have already been convicted of auto theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle at least twice, whether in Colorado or somewhere else in the United States.
In every case, a charge of auto theft necessitates a prompt and formidable defense from an experienced auto theft lawyer. Prosecutors go hard on auto theft charge defendants and sometimes cross the line. A defense attorney will protect your rights by holding the state accountable for its burden of proof and attacking weaknesses in the case.
Auto Theft Defenses
Our attorneys put forth a variety of defenses on behalf of our clients. Depending on your situation, we may:
- Argue constitutional violations
- Discredit witnesses and evidence
- Discredit police officers
- Show the vehicle to be yours
- Show you to be authorized to use the vehicle
- Show the accusation to be false or erroneous.
Whatever viable defense is available, you can expect our team to use it effectively to protect you from the serious penalties for auto theft.
Penalties for Auto Theft
Since all auto theft charges are felonies, the penalties are quite serious. Third-degree motor vehicle theft convictions come with the possibility of:
- One to three years in prison
- Two years of mandatory parole
- A $1,000 to $100,000 fine.
For a second-degree auto theft charge, the range of prison time increases to two to six years, with three years parole, and fines rise to between $2,000 and $500,000. First-degree offenders face 4 to 12 years in prison, five years’ parole, and fines that top out at $750,000. All offenders, regardless of charge, will also receive a one-year revocation of their driver’s license.
With the Kevin Cahill Law Firm, your criminal charges are only the beginning of the story. We fight hard for the best ending possible under your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are facing auto theft charges, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most common we receive.
Do I need a motor vehicle theft lawyer if I plan on pleading guilty?
Yes. You need an experienced and effective motor vehicle theft lawyer, even if you plan on pleading guilty. A guilty plea can lead to one of various sentences within the sentencing range. Without an attorney, there is a high possibility that you will get the maximum or close to it. With a lawyer, on the other hand, you have a professional who will fiercely advocate for the most optimal sentence available.
How can an auto theft defense lawyer help me?
An auto theft criminal defense lawyer will build and present the most appropriate and effective defense for your situation. Regarding your specific case, your attorney will devote significant time and resources to investigate your charges and the surrounding incidents.
Can I have an auto theft conviction expunged from my record?
Likely not. Expungement in Colorado is very narrow. It is typically only available for juveniles and in cases involving mistaken identity.
What is the statute of limitations for auto theft crimes in Colorado?
The statute of limitations for auto theft crimes in Colorado is three years. Most felonies in the state are under a three-year statute of limitations, which begins on the date the crime is committed.
Have more questions about auto theft charges in Denver? Contact our office for the clear answers you’re looking for.
Get Help From an Experienced Auto Theft Defense Lawyer Today
Protection You Deserve
If the state has charged you with auto theft, your future is at risk. A felony conviction can lead to years of collateral problems, but a skilled defense lawyer can effectively mitigate the consequences. Don’t hesitate to protect your future by calling an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At the Law Office of Kevin Cahill, we don’t back down from any opponent to fight the charges against you. Call 720-445-9887 for a free consultation and guidance on what comes next.
ATTORNEY KEVIN CAHILL
Denver Defense Lawyer Kevin Cahill never assumes that your case is a lost cause. He is a confident and fearless litigator who refuses to back down when he is fighting to protect the rights of his clients. Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, it is vital that you take the charges seriously and seek out legal representation as soon as possible so you can start building your defense. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
