Auto Theft

Auto Theft Attorney in Phoenix

Criminal Defense Focused on the Facts That Decide Your Case

An auto theft charge in Arizona isn’t a minor accusation. Depending on the circumstances, it can be a class 3 felony that carries real prison time. The details matter enormously, and so does having an attorney who takes the time to understand yours. At Faussette & Faussette, PLLC, we start every case by listening carefully to what actually happened before we advise on anything else.

We serve clients facing auto theft and related vehicle charges throughout the greater Phoenix area, including Chandler and Glendale. If you’re facing charges, the sooner we can talk, the more options may be available.

Call us today at (602) 905-2833 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation. We’re available in-office or virtually, whichever works best for you.

Why Clients Choose Faussette & Faussette, PLLC

Our attorneys share 30+ years of combined experience in criminal defense. That depth means we know how prosecutors in Maricopa County build vehicle theft cases and where those cases may have vulnerabilities. But what we bring to every client goes beyond experience.

We don’t hand clients a generic strategy and send them on their way. We explain the charges, the realistic range of outcomes, and the tradeoffs of every path forward. Clients who understand their situation can make better decisions. That’s what distinguishes us from larger firms that move cases through without that level of individual attention.

Arizona’s Auto Theft Statute: ARS 13-1814

Arizona law defines theft of means of transportation under ARS 13-1814. The statute covers several ways the offense can be committed, all sharing a common thread: acting without lawful authority over someone else’s vehicle.

The statute applies when a person, without lawful authority, knowingly:

Controls another person’s vehicle with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it
Converts an entrusted vehicle for an unauthorized term or use
Obtains a vehicle through material misrepresentation (a false statement of fact that induces the owner to hand it over) with intent to permanently deprive
Comes into control of a lost or misdelivered vehicle without making reasonable efforts to notify the true owner

Theft of means of transportation is a class 3 felony. For a first offense, sentencing can range from probation with up to one year in jail to a prison term of roughly 2 to 8.75 years. Prior felony convictions can make prison mandatory and raise that ceiling significantly, reaching as high as 25 years for offenders with two or more historical prior felony convictions.

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Why Choose Faussette & Faussette, PLLC?

Client-Focused Representation
Every case begins with understanding your unique circumstances, allowing the firm to build personalized legal strategies that protect your interests.
Honest & Transparent Communication
Clients receive clear guidance, straightforward answers, and regular updates so they can make informed decisions throughout their case.
Aggressive When It Matters Most
Whether negotiating a settlement or fighting in court, the firm stands up for clients' rights and pursues the best possible outcome.
Experienced Legal Advocacy
With nearly a decade of experience, Faussette & Faussette provides knowledgeable representation in criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters.

What Prosecutors Must Prove & Where Defenses Arise

A conviction under ARS 13-1814 requires the prosecution to prove you acted knowingly and without lawful authority. In the most commonly charged version of the offense, controlling another person’s vehicle, prosecutors must also establish that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of it. Each element is a potential point of challenge.

Defense strategies vary by the specific facts, but common angles include disputing knowledge that a vehicle was stolen (a mistake-of-fact argument), demonstrating that the accused had consent or a reasonable belief in a right to use the vehicle, and examining whether law enforcement followed proper constitutional procedures during the stop or arrest. An unlawful stop or search can limit what evidence the prosecution is permitted to use.

Our approach is to work through the facts of your case systematically, identify which elements the prosecution can actually support, and build a defense around the specific weaknesses we find. No two cases are identical, and we don’t treat them that way.

Unlawful Use of Means of Transportation (ARS 13-1803)

Not every vehicle case involves an intent to steal. ARS 13-1803 covers what is commonly called joyriding: taking unauthorized control of a vehicle without intending to permanently deprive the owner of it. The distinction between this charge and theft of means of transportation comes down to that single element, intent to permanently deprive.

Under ARS 13-1803, knowingly taking unauthorized control of another’s vehicle without that intent is a class 5 felony. Being a passenger who knows or has reason to know the vehicle is unlawfully possessed is a class 6 felony. Both are serious charges, but they carry lower sentencing ranges than the class 3 felony under ARS 13-1814.

Whether a case involves theft of means of transportation or unlawful use can depend heavily on what the evidence shows about the accused’s state of mind. Intent is often the central focus of the defense. If the facts support a joyriding charge rather than theft, arguing for the lesser charge can be a significant part of the strategy.

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Hear about our clients experience with us

"Got my entire case diverted and won’t even show up on my record."
Nick Faussette was incredibly competent and amazingly attentive from the very start.

- Ross M.
"Communicative, honest, pragmatic and highly competent attorneys."
Assess your situation grounded in the law to create a comprehensive strategy to provide the best possible outcome.

- CC
"Her representation was thorough and well prepared."
She is overjoyed, relieved and pleasantly surprised with the simplicity and swiftness.

- James M.
"They've done amazing and incredibly outstanding job."
If I had a way for giving Jacob Faussette 100 stars, I could have done so, but since 5 is the highest, then he deserves all of them.

- Satisfied Client
"I would not hesitate to work with him."
He did such an amazing job and really helped my family.

- Ketsia A.
"Jacob Faussette is the best lawyer ever"
I would recommend anyone to have Jacob fight for your justice.

- Julienne B.
"I'm 100% satisfied!"
Jacob was assigned my case by the public defender's office but worked my case as if I paid him $20,000.

- Gary G.
"I've been affiliated with the Faussette brothers for a while now."
Jake and Nick will fight through a blizzard or sandstorm to make sure your case doesn't turn into ruins.

- Joey B.

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Felony Auto Theft Cases in Maricopa County

Felony auto theft charges in Phoenix are handled by the Maricopa County Superior Court’s Criminal Department. The court oversees everything from the initial appearance through pretrial proceedings, trial, sentencing, and post-conviction matters. Felony cases move through multiple stages, and decisions made early on, including whether to accept a plea, pursue dismissal, or go to trial, carry lasting consequences.

Having an attorney who understands how cases proceed in Maricopa County, what local prosecutors tend to prioritize, and how to prepare for each stage can make a real difference in how your case unfolds.

Talk to a Phoenix Auto Theft Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know is facing an auto theft charge in Phoenix, getting informed quickly is the right first step. We offer a free 15-minute consultation for criminal defense matters, available in-office or virtually. During that call, we’ll listen to the details of your situation and can give you a clear picture of your options.

Contact Faussette & Faussette, PLLC at (602) 905-2833 to schedule your consultation.

Statute of Limitations & First-Offense Considerations

In Arizona, prosecutors generally have seven years from discovery of the offense to file charges for class 2 through class 6 felonies. That window covers both theft of means of transportation and unlawful use of means of transportation, so a past incident can still result in charges well after the fact.

For first-time offenders, Arizona law allows for diversion programs in some circumstances. Diversion can mean completing requirements such as restitution or an education program in place of a traditional conviction, which can have significant implications for a person’s record. Eligibility depends on the specifics of the case, including the charge, the facts, and the prosecutor’s discretion. We can assess whether diversion may be a realistic possibility for your situation during our initial consultation.

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Your Defense is our priority

At Faussette & Faussette, PLLC, we're always ready to take your calls. Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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