Auto Theft Attorney
Serving Wyoming & South Dakota
If you are facing auto theft charges in Wyoming or South Dakota, the consequences can be severe—potential felony convictions, jail or prison time, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. You need a skilled and strategic advocate who understands the laws of both states and knows how to fight these allegations head-on.
At Just Criminal Law, our experienced defense team is committed to protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s case, and working toward the best possible outcome. When your freedom and future are on the line, our firm stands ready to help.
Call Just Criminal Law at (307) 300-2240 for a confidential consultation today. Defending clients since 2009!
What Is Considered Auto Theft?
Auto theft—also called “motor vehicle theft” or “grand theft auto”—involves taking or exercising control over another person’s vehicle without legal permission. However, these charges can arise from a wide range of scenarios, including:
- Taking a vehicle without consent, even if it is later returned
- Keeping a vehicle beyond the permitted time, such as extending use of a borrowed or rented vehicle
- Unauthorized control of a vehicle, even without intent to permanently deprive the owner
- Participating in vehicle-related fraud, such as title fraud or selling a stolen vehicle
- Joyriding, which involves temporary, unpermitted use of a vehicle
- Being found in possession of a stolen vehicle, even if you did not steal it
Auto theft charges do not always require the prosecution to prove you intended to keep the vehicle forever. In many cases, simply acting without the owner’s permission is enough for the state to file serious criminal charges.
Penalties for Auto Theft in Wyoming
Wyoming treats motor vehicle theft as a felony in most circumstances. While penalties vary based on the details, the value of the vehicle, and the defendant’s history, potential consequences include:
- Up to 10 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- Restitution to the vehicle’s owner
- Permanent criminal record
- Possible loss of driving privileges
If the vehicle is particularly valuable or if the defendant has prior theft convictions, the penalties may increase significantly. Even first-time offenders may face substantial jail time because auto theft is considered a high-level property crime in Wyoming.
Penalties for Auto Theft in South Dakota
South Dakota law also classifies most auto theft charges as felonies. The consequences typically depend on the nature of the alleged conduct and the value of the vehicle.
The penalties include:
- Up to 10 years in prison (Class 4 felony)
- Fines up to $20,000
- Restitution for damages or loss
- Possible forfeiture of certain rights
- Long-term impact on employment, housing, and record checks
South Dakota additionally prosecutes joyriding and temporary unauthorized vehicle use aggressively, and even first-time offenders may face significant prison time. Prosecutors may also stack charges such as burglary, possession of stolen property, criminal entry, or eluding law enforcement.
If you live near the Wyoming/South Dakota border or if the alleged crime involved both states, you may face multi-jurisdictional charges, which makes having an experienced defense firm even more critical.
Legal Defenses to Auto Theft
Every auto theft case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the details. However, common defenses in Wyoming and South Dakota auto theft cases include:
- Lack of Intent: If you did not intend to steal the vehicle—or believed you had permission—the prosecution may have difficulty proving its case.
- Mistaken Identity: Many auto theft charges arise from incomplete video footage, incorrect eyewitness testimony, or confusion about who actually had control of the vehicle.
- Permission Was Given: A misunderstanding between friends, family members, or associates can lead to false accusations. Written or verbal permission can be a strong defense.
- You Believed You Had a Right to the Vehicle: A good-faith belief—such as a sales dispute, ownership conflict, or misunderstanding about a loan arrangement—may reduce or eliminate charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Challenging the evidence, chain of custody, or police procedure can weaken the state’s argument.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement found the vehicle or evidence through unconstitutional searches, that evidence may be suppressed.
- False Accusations: Sometimes allegations stem from personal disputes, relationship conflicts, or attempts to cover up someone else’s wrongdoing.
At Just Criminal Law, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances and build a defense tailored specifically to your situation.
FAQs About Auto Theft Charges in Wyoming and South Dakota
Is auto theft always a felony?
In both Wyoming and South Dakota, most motor vehicle theft cases are charged as felonies, even if it’s a first offense.
What if I only borrowed the car and planned to return it?
Even temporary use without permission can lead to charges. However, lack of intent to permanently steal the vehicle may help your defense.
Can I go to jail for joyriding?
Yes. Both states prosecute joyriding aggressively, and you may face felony-level penalties.
What if someone falsely accused me?
False accusations are common. A strong defense can expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story, phone data, vehicle logs, and surveillance evidence.
What should I do if I’m contacted by the police about a stolen vehicle?
Do not speak to the police without a lawyer present. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a Gillette auto theft lawyer immediately.
Speak to a Gillette Auto Theft Lawyer Today
Auto theft charges can change your life forever. Whether you are accused of taking a vehicle, keeping one too long, or simply being found near stolen property, you have the right to a strong defense.
Just Criminal Law represents clients throughout Wyoming and South Dakota, providing aggressive, strategic criminal defense backed by experience and dedication.
Contact us today to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
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