Understanding ARS Theft of Means of Transportation: ARS 13-1814
Facing ARS theft of means charges is overwhelming. The legal system is complex and can be intimidating. Understanding the specifics of the crime and the potential penalties if convicted are important steps in navigating the legal system.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the theft of means of transportation Arizona laws. It explains key terms and the theft of means of transportation Arizona sentence guidelines. It also answers frequently asked questions about your charges.
Remember, this information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer. If you are charged with theft of means of transportation ARS 13-1814, consult with a qualified Arizona criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is ARS Theft Means of Transportation?

In its simplest terms, ARS theft of means of transportation is the Arizona car theft law. The crime involves stealing a “means of transportation,” which is typically a car or other similar vehicle.
ARS 13-1814 outlines several ways the crime could be committed – each must be done knowingly and without lawful authority.
- Unauthorized Control with Intent to Deprive: Taking control of another person’s vehicle with the intent to keep it permanently.
- Unauthorized Use: Using another person’s vehicle for an unauthorized length of time or purpose after being loaned the vehicle for a specific, limited time or purpose.
- Misrepresentation: Obtaining a vehicle through false pretenses or misrepresentations, with the intent to permanently keep it.
- Lost or Misdelivered Vehicle: Keeping a vehicle that was lost or misdelivered and without reasonable efforts to find the owner.
- Knowing Possession of Stolen Property: Being in possession of a car knowing or having reason to know it’s stolen.
ARS Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation: ARS 13-1803

A related offense is ARS unlawful use of means of transportation, defined in ARS 13-1803. ARS unlawful use of means of transportation involves either knowingly taking control of someone’s vehicle without permission or being in a vehicle you know or have reason to know is stolen. This crime is different from ARS theft of means because it doesn’t involve the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.
Sentencing for Theft and Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation:

The penalties for ARS theft of means of transportation and ARS unlawful use of means of transportation are severe and vary based on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the crime.
The following table summarizes the potential consequences for each type of offense:
Crime | Felony | Probation (max) | Prison |
---|---|---|---|
Unlawful Use: passenger in stolen vehicle | Class 6 | 3 years | 4 months – 2 years |
Unlawful Use: unauthorized control | Class 5 | 3 years | 6 months – 2.5 years |
Theft of Means of Transportation | Class 3 | 5 years | 2 – 8.75 years |
Frequently Asked Questions:

The key difference is the intent involved in each of the crimes. Theft requires the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their vehicle. Unlawful use does not involve an intent to steal a vehicle; it focuses on the unauthorized taking or use of a vehicle.
Possibly. If someone lends a car and you intend to keep it and never return it, you have committed the crime of ARS theft of means. Similarly, if someone lends you their car for a specific purpose and time, and you either use it for another purpose or keep it longer than intended, you have also committed ARS theft of means.
Even if you were unaware that the car was stolen, if you had reason to know (e.g., it seemed suspicious), you could still face charges.
It depends on the circumstances and the evidence. If the prosecution can prove that you had reason to know that the car was stolen, then you could be charged with unlawful use of means of transportation.
The prosecution can use any of the following circumstances to prove that you should have known the car was stolen:
- The car was recently stolen.
- You paid a price much lower than the car’s fair market value.
- The car was purchased or sold outside regular business practices or without proper proof of ownership.
If one or more of these circumstances exist, you must explain why they shouldn’t be used to infer that you were aware of the risk that the car was stolen.
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Key Takeaways:

- Definition and Scope: ARS 13-1814 defines the crime of theft of means of transportation. It involves stealing or unlawfully using a vehicle, with various ways the crime can be committed.
- Types of Theft:
- Unauthorized Control with Intent to Deprive: Taking control of a vehicle with intent to keep it permanently.
- Unauthorized Use: Using a vehicle beyond the agreed time or purpose.
- Misrepresentation: Obtaining a vehicle through false pretenses.
- Lost/Misdelivered Vehicle: Keeping a vehicle found or misdelivered.
- Knowing Possession: Possessing a stolen vehicle knowingly.
- Related Offense: ARS 13-1803 defines unlawful use of means of transportation, which involves illegally taking or using a vehicle without intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle.
- Sentencing:
- Unlawful Use (Passenger): Class 6 felony
- Range: Probation up to 2 years in prison.
- Unlawful Use (Unauthorized Control): Class 5 felony
- Range: Probation up to 2.5 years in prison.
- Theft of Means of Transportation: Class 3 felony
- Range: Probation up to 8.75 years in prison.
- Unlawful Use (Passenger): Class 6 felony
Next Steps:

ARS theft of means of transportation and ARS unlawful use of transportation are serious crimes with serious consequences. The charges and the resulting sentence depend on many factors. You need to understand the law and your rights to effectively get through this difficult situation.
If you’re facing ARS theft or unlawful use of means charges, under ARS 13-1814 or ARS 13-1803, engaging a skilled Arizona criminal defense attorney is essential to protect your rights and manage the process. Don’t try navigating the legal system alone; get an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side right away.