Stealing of a Motor Vehicle Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri.

Combs Waterkotte is the leading Stealing of a Motor Vehicle Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Stealing of a Motor Vehicle Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Missouri imposes harsh penalties on those who are convicted of stealing motor vehicles. You could face significant time in prison, fines that drain your finances, and the long-term consequences that come with having a criminal record. At Combs Waterkotte, our Missouri criminal defense and theft lawyers fight these charges aggressively to protect your future and your freedom.

Understanding Stealing of Motor Vehicle Charges in Missouri

In Missouri, stealing a motor vehicle is considered more serious than stealing other types of property. If you take a vehicle or catalytic converter without the owner’s permission — or by force — and intend to deprive the owner of it, the state can charge you with motor vehicle theft.

The potential charges include:

• Stealing a motor vehicle: Class D felony
• Stealing a catalytic converter: Class E felony
• Repeat offenders: Two prior theft convictions within 10 years can elevate the charge to a Class B felony

Tampering With a Motor Vehicle in Missouri

Tampering with a motor vehicle is a related but separate offense. Often referred to as “joyriding,” this charge involves knowingly possessing, receiving, selling, or operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

The key difference between tampering and stealing: tampering does not require proof that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.

• First-degree tampering (driver): Class D felony
• Second-degree tampering (passenger): Class A misdemeanor

Carjacking and Vehicle Theft in Missouri

Carjacking — sometimes called vehicle hijacking — involves using or threatening force to take control of another person’s vehicle. This offense carries extremely severe penalties.

Carjacking becomes a Class A felony when it involves:

• The use of a deadly weapon
• Serious injury to a victim or bystander
• The use or threat of a dangerous weapon
• Taking a vehicle with a child or special victim inside

All other forms of carjacking are generally charged as Class B felonies.

Related Missouri Vehicle Theft & Tampering Defense Pages

Vehicle Hijacking Lawyer in Missouri

Motor Vehicle Tampering Lawyer in Missouri

Theft/Larceny Lawyer in Missouri