Committed Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Defense Lawyers in Fort Mill & Greenville.
In the State of South Carolina, possession of stolen vehicle charges Fort Mill & Greenville requires two factors to be true. First, that the individual being charged had to control the vehicle or, simply put, was driving it. Second, that he or she had knowledge the vehicle was stolen.
This charge is often used when the police do not know or cannot prove who actually stole the vehicle and instead found someone driving a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen.
If you have been arrested for being in or near a stolen vehicle, the police may have overlooked the legal elements required to properly charge you, although they may not stop them from doing so, which could mean spending the night in jail until you are arraigned.
The penalties for possessing a stolen vehicle are severe, which is why it is important to partner with an experienced Fort Mill criminal defense attorney to pursue the best outcome available for your case, which can include seeking a dismissal or lesser charge, when applicable.
How is Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Lawyers Defined in Fort Mill & Greenville, SC?
The legal statute reads that a person not entitled to the possession of a vehicle, knowing it to be stolen or converted under circumstances constituting a crime, can be charged under any of the following factors apply to their alleged actions.
Including:
- Receiving a stolen vehicle
- Possessing a stolen vehicle
- Concealing a stolen vehicle
- Selling a stolen vehicle
- Disposing of a stolen vehicle
What are the Penalties for Possessing a Stolen Vehicle Attorneys in Fort Mill & Greenville, SC?
Penalties for possession of a stolen vehicle conviction in Fort Mill & Greenville vary with each case and depend on the value of the vehicle and the accused’s criminal history.
If the value of the vehicle is less than $2000, the misdemeanor conviction consequences may include:
- Fine of up to $1,000
- Up to 30 days imprisonment
- Both
If the value of the vehicle is more than $2000, but less than $10,000, the felony conviction consequences may include:
- Fines at the discretion of the court
- Up to five years of imprisonment
- Both
If the value of the vehicle is more than $10,000, the felony conviction consequences may include:
- Fines at the discretion of the court
- Up to ten years of imprisonment
- Both
Our clients must understand that they can be charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in Fort Mill & Greenville without being the person who stole the car if he or she possessed a vehicle they knew was stolen.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our Fort Mill & Greenville possession of stolen vehicle attorneys know there are many defenses available for these charges and will outline your unique case accordingly to pursue the best outcome available for your circumstances.
Dedicated Defense Strategies for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Lawyers in Fort Mill & Greenville, SC
Building a compelling defense strategy requires experience and resources to deliver results for our clients.
When it comes to possession of a stolen vehicle charge, we will assess the complete circumstances surrounding the arrest, including the probable cause necessary to conduct the traffic stop that led to our client being charged.
We will also identify the evidence necessary to prove that the defendant had the owner’s permission or consent or the belief that they had the owner’s consent to use the vehicle, when possible. Or, describe that there was no intent to permanently deprive the owner of the car, which could lessen the charge to joyriding.
Our Greenville criminal attorneys will examine each possible defense for your case, so you can focus on confidently facing the solicitor’s office with our lawyer by your side.
Instead of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, What Else Could I Be Charged With?
The circumstances of each possession of a stolen vehicle case are unique and require an assessment of the charges, the individual’s criminal history, and the evidence the solicitor’s office has against our client to pursue the proper defense strategy.
Once the details of your case are outlined, instead of possession of a stolen vehicle in Fort Mill & Greenville, the solicitor may charge you with grand larceny, which carries the same penalties.
Other possible charges may include:
- Joyriding: Taking, driving, or using a vehicle without permission.
- Penalties for joyriding includes up to three years imprisonment and a fine up to $500.
- Failing to Return a Rental Car: Failing to return a rental vehicle within 72 hours of the end of the rental period or using the vehicle in a way not permitted by the rental agreement, which could be taking the car outside of the country.
- Penalties for failing to return a rental car depends on the value of the stolen property.
- Carjacking: Taking — or attempting to take — a motor vehicle from someone else by intimidation, violence, or force while the victim is operating or inside a vehicle.
- Penalties for carjacking include up to 20 years imprisonment if there is no injury, or up to 30 years imprisonment if the act results in injury.
How Can the David W. Martin Law Group Help Defend My Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Charges in Fort Mill & Greenville?
Any conviction for possession of a stolen vehicle in South Carolina will result in prison or jail time, fines, and a criminal record, which can have a long-term impact on your personal and professional life.
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our criminal defense lawyers in Fort Mill & Greenville provide real-time solutions for our clients, so we can face the solicitor’s office with a strategic approach to producing the legal results our clients deserve.
We focus on pursuing lesser charges, when they are available, or outright dismissals when we know the solicitor does not have the necessary evidence to pursue your case.
Our Fort Mill & Greenville Criminal Defense Attorneys Fight For Clients Who Have Been Charged With:
- Assault and Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Shoplifting
- DUI
- DUAC
- Traffic Violations
- Drug Crimes
- Gun Crimes
- Sex Crimes
- Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor
- Murder or Attempted Murder
Contact Our Serious Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Defense Attorneys in Fort Mill & Greenville, South Carolina for consultation.
If you have been arrested for or charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in South Carolina, you may have more questions than answers about how these changes will affect your life going forward.
We have answers. Contact our dedicated criminal defense lawyers in Fort Mill & Greenville to discuss your case during a consultation by calling (803) 548-2468 today. The sooner we can review the facts of your case, the quicker we can provide a strategic and compelling defense that strengthens your legal angle, so you can put these charges behind you.
