Auto theft is a serious crime in Texas. Whether someone takes a car without permission or steals it with force, the law comes down hard. The punishment depends on things like the car’s value, the person’s criminal history, and whether a weapon or threat was involved. This guide breaks down the types of car theft, penalties, and defenses that can apply if you’re charged in Dallas or anywhere in Texas.
Auto Theft Under Texas Law
Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 covers general theft, including stealing cars or car parts. To charge someone with auto theft, the state must prove that the person meant to take the car away from the owner for good. That means things like selling the car to a chop shop, stripping it for parts, or even ditching it far from home count as theft.
Even receiving a stolen car or its parts can lead to theft charges. If the person knew the car was stolen, that’s enough to get charged.
Types of Auto Theft
Texas recognizes different forms of auto theft. Some charges are more serious than others, depending on how the crime was done and what the person meant to do.
Joyriding (Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle)
This happens when someone uses a vehicle without permission but doesn’t plan to keep it. A teenager taking a parent’s car for a late-night drive without asking is one example. It’s a state jail felony in Texas, which can lead to 180 days to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Carjacking
Texas doesn’t have a law specifically for carjacking. Instead, it’s charged as robbery. This happens when someone takes a car directly from another person by using or threatening force. If no one gets seriously hurt, it’s a second-degree felony with 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If a weapon is used or someone gets injured, it becomes aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. That can mean 5 to 99 years or even life in prison.
Stealing from a Car
Breaking into a car to steal a purse, phone, or anything else is a Class A misdemeanor. Even opening an unlocked car door with the intent to steal counts. If someone has two or more past convictions for similar crimes, it becomes a state jail felony.
Rental Car Theft
Not returning a rental car is considered theft of service. The penalties depend on how much the car is worth. It could be a misdemeanor or a felony.
VIN Tampering
Changing or destroying a car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is a Class A misdemeanor. This is usually done to hide the car’s true identity and make it harder to trace.
Catalytic Converter Theft
This has become more common in Texas. Stealing a catalytic converter is a felony, no matter its value. The base penalty is a state jail felony. If the part is worth more than $30,000 or if the person had a gun or targeted a nonprofit or elderly person, the charges go up to a third-degree felony or higher.
Even having a stolen catalytic converter can get someone in trouble. If the person has a past conviction or worked with the thief, or had a weapon during the crime, the charge increases.
Penalties Based on Value
Texas punishes auto theft mostly by looking at how much the car or parts are worth.
- Less than $2,500: Class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail, up to $4,000 fine
- $2,500 to $30,000: State jail felony, 180 days to 2 years in jail, up to $10,000 fine
- $30,000 to $150,000: Third-degree felony, 2 to 10 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
- Over $150,000: Second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison, up to $10,000 fine
Theft charges go up a level if the car or parts were taken from someone age 65 or older, or from a nonprofit group.
Extra Factors That Make Charges Worse
There are certain details that can make a charge more serious:
- Using or carrying a weapon during the theft
- Stealing from an elderly person
- Committing the theft while working as a public servant
- Having a criminal record, especially for past thefts
- Being part of an organized group
Each of these can lead to a longer sentence or higher level of felony.
Defenses to Auto Theft Charges
Being accused of car theft doesn’t mean the case is over. There are a few common defenses:
No Intent to Steal
Intent matters. If someone didn’t mean to keep the car or steal it permanently, the charge might be lowered or dropped.
Consent
If the person thought they had permission to use the vehicle, that can be a strong defense. Even if the consent wasn’t written or clear, a jury may believe the person thought it was okay to borrow the car.
Wrong Identity
Sometimes, the police arrest the wrong person. A solid alibi, video evidence, or showing that a witness made a mistake can change the outcome.
Lack of Evidence
In any criminal case, the prosecutor has to prove every part of the charge. If they can’t show intent, lack of consent, or that the car was even stolen, the case might not hold up.
Get Help from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas
Auto theft charges can lead to jail time, big fines, and a permanent record. If you’re facing a charge, don’t wait. Our criminal defense lawyers based in Dallas can look at your case, explain your options, and help you fight for the best result. Whether it’s joyriding, carjacking, or being accused of stealing a catalytic converter, the law gives you the right to defend yourself.
Call (214) 432-8860 to speak with someone today.