Joyriding can be a felony. Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Claremore, Oklahoma is often thought of as joyriding. We all know the term and we usually associate the term with a teenaged drunken prank. And often young adults are involved.
But if you think unauthorized use of a motor vehicle charge is a joyful experience, you might want to rethink that. It can lead to big trouble in Claremore, even jail time. It is a felony in Oklahoma.
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle Defined In Claremore, Oklahoma
Oklahoma law defines unauthorized use of a motor vehicle as the taking, using, or driving of another’s vehicle or “implement of husbandry” without the consent of the owner and with the intent of depriving the owner of possession or use — either temporarily or permanently. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 4-102
Here are the elements that the prosecution must prove in order to secure a conviction. If any of these elements goes unproven, there will be no conviction.
- taking, using, or driving
- a vehicle
- by the defendant
- without the owner’s consent and
- with the intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle or its possession — temporarily or otherwise.
OUJI-CR 5-116
The prosecution must prove that you were not authorized to use the car and that you had the intent to deprive the owner of possession. If you were, in fact, authorized — or did not have the requisite intent — there may not be a conviction. An experienced Claremore criminal defense attorney can help you build a strong defense.
This statute is broadly written and is meant to cover a number of different situations, from joyriding to theft. If convicted under this statute, you could face up to a year or more in jail, fines and possible restitution.
Other Joyriding Statutes
It is unlawful in Oklahoma to loiter in or on any vehicle, or to “molest, drive, or attempt to drive any automobile, for joyriding or any other purpose without the owner’s consent.” Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1787
The crime is treated as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a fine between $100 and $500, up to a year in jail, or both. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1788
These are the elements of joyriding.
- molested, drove, or attempted to drive
- a motor vehicle
- without the owner’s consent and
- for the purpose of joyriding or any other purpose.
Your attorney may be able to help you plead to a lesser crime if that is appropriate to your situation, and to minimize fines and jail time. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area.
Free Consultation with an Experienced Claremore Criminal Defense Attorney
Felony convictions are serious. If you or a loved one is in trouble, get the help you need.
We at Claremore Lawyer are here to help you. Don’t delay. Call us today.
And the initial consultation is free. Call us at 918-213-0950.
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