Taking another person’s vehicle is unlawful if:

• The owner did not consent;
• The alleged offender took the vehicle knowing it was a stolen vehicle; or
• The alleged offender took the vehicle from law enforcement officials knowing it was a stolen vehicle.

Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in Texas

An individual can also be charged with auto theft in Texas under the state’s unauthorized use law. According to Tex. Penal Code § 31.07, an individual can be charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle if they intentionally or knowingly operate another person’s vehicle that is propelled by a motor, boat or airplane without their consent.

Carjacking Penalties in Texas

Penalties for auto theft and carjacking are defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code. These penalties can vary depending on the value of the vehicle stolen, whether the alleged offender has a previous criminal history, whether a weapon was used during the commission of the offense, whether anyone was injured during the commission of the offense, and what statute the alleged offender is charged under.

The most common penalties for auto theft in Houston are as follows:

• An individual charged with auto theft can face a Class C misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by a fine up to $500, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is less than $50.
• An individual charged with carjacking can face a Class B misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by a jail sentence up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is $50 or more but less than $500.
• An individual charged with auto theft can face a Class A misdemeanor conviction, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine up to $4,000, if the value of the property is valued at $500 or more but less than $1,500.
• An individual charged with carjacking can face a state jail felony conviction, which is punishable a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to two years and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is $1,500 or more but less than $20,000.
• An individual charged with auto theft can face a felony of the third-degree theft conviction, which is punishable by two to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is $20,000 or more but less than $100,000.
• An individual charged with carjacking can face a felony of the second-degree conviction, which is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is $100,000 or more but less than $200,000.
• An individual charged with auto theft can face a felony of the first-degree conviction, which is punishable by five to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment and/or a fine up to $10,000, if the value of the allegedly stolen property is $200,000 or more.
• An individual who is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle can be convicted of a state jail felony. This degree of offense is punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000.

Call An Experienced Theft Crime Attorney Today!!!

Houston Auto Theft Attorney, Korey Huff is an aggressive Houston criminal defense lawyer who will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime involving Auto Theft, Houston Auto Theft Attorney Korey Huff will carefully investigate and analyze your case and will fight to protect your freedom and your legal rights.

Contact Houston Auto Theft Attorney Korey Huff now at 713-562-8700 for a free consultation to determine your rights and legal options.