If you ever find yourself in or around New York, be aware of any cars with temporary license plates – you may be witnessing a crime in action. Recently, criminals have been using fake temporary license plates to make themselves undetectable to police while committing crimes.
Drug traffickers, terrorists, gang members, and organized theft rings have been taking advantage of fraudulent paper tags to make themselves difficult to track. This ability to mask their identities has benefitted criminals when engaging in illegal behavior, such as evading tolls at crossings throughout the tri-state area.
The NYPD has been invested in cracking down on fake license plates since late May of this year. Since then, 243 people have been arrested for committing a series of crimes in vehicles with fake license plates – from gun arrests to gang affiliations. All in all, the NYPD seized 207 vehicles so far. With situations such as the fake license plate crackdown in New York, it is evident that vehicle theft is alive and well, even during a global pandemic, as explained in this blog by Annapolis vehicle theft defense attorney Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law.
What constitutes vehicle theft in Maryland?
Vehicle theft is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, a motor vehicle is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that operates on land and does not run on rails. Therefore, a variety of vehicles can be classified as motor vehicles – from sport utility vehicles, trucks, buses, motor scooters, and even snowmobiles. Although vehicle theft is a type of property crime that may not be seen as deadly as homicide or assault, it is still a multi-billion dollar crime.
In 2019 alone, nearly three-quarters of a million vehicles were stolen in the United States, leading to a six-billion-dollar loss nationwide. Of the vehicles that were stolen, 75 percent were automobiles. Sadly, as proven by the false license plates in New York, summertime is the season where vehicle theft tends to occur most often. Over 700,000 people fell victim to vehicle theft.
Why do people commit vehicle theft?
One of the reasons criminals may engage in vehicle theft is to use the vehicle to commit additional crimes. As is the case in New York, criminals are using false license plates on vehicles to prevent themselves from being identified while engaging in other crimes like drive-by shootings and drug trafficking. Another reason others may engage in vehicle theft is for the sake of joyriding. Some people may feel a sense of adrenaline while driving a car that does not belong to them. Another reason for someone to commit vehicle theft is to sell the entire vehicle or parts of the vehicle to a “chop shop”.
A chop shop is an illegal car garage that works with and operates on stolen vehicles to sell for profit. Usually, within hours of the vehicle being stolen, criminals begin to disassemble the vehicle to avoid being caught by the police. It is very rare to see a car shop working independently; more than likely the car shop is part of a larger criminal organization or theft ring.
What are the penalties for vehicle theft in Maryland?
Maryland law defines auto theft as the knowing and willful taking of a vehicle from the owner’s custody, without the consent of the owner, or the owner’s control. Consent is an important part of the law. It is not always expressly written on a form or document. Oftentimes, it is given verbally, which is why consent can be difficult to prove by a defendant if he or she did not have it in writing from the vehicle’s owner.
In Maryland, motor vehicle theft is punishable as a felony with up to five years in prison if you are convicted. You could also face a fine of no more than 5,000 dollars. The defendant will also be required to restore the vehicle to the owner. If this is not possible (because the vehicle was destroyed or sold for parts), the defendant will be required to pay the vehicle owner the value of the vehicle.
Another vehicle theft crime in Maryland is as follows:
You took the vehicle with the intent to deprive the owner. If so, you face the following penalties and fines based on the value of the vehicle stolen:
- Total value: $1,000 to $9,999.99 – up to $10,000 fine and 10 years in prison
- Total value: $10,000 to $99,999.99 – up to $15,000 fine and 15 years in prison
- Total value: $100,000 or more – up to $25,000 fine and 25 years in prison
It’s important to note that you can be charged with both of these crimes at the same time. Conviction of either of these crimes requires you to pay restitution to the vehicle owner.
What are some defenses for a vehicle theft charge?
First and foremost, you should never represent yourself in court when facing a criminal charge like vehicle theft. There’s too much at stake. Instead, make sure you speak with an experienced Annapolis vehicle theft attorney about your case. Depending on the situation, you could mount one of the following defenses:
- Coercion
- Lack of intent
- Mistake of fact
- Ratification after the fact
- Return of property
- Duress
If you have been accused of vehicle theft, you should immediately contact an experienced Annapolis criminal defense attorney. Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law serves clients from offices in Annapolis or Ellicott City. Call our office at 410-271-1892, or complete our contact form.
And remember – Keep Calm, and Call Drew.
