How to Find Information on the Penalty for Auto Theft in Arizona

Arizona has more incidents of auto theft than almost any other state in the nation. With more than 40,000 cars reported stolen in the state each year, the police of Arizona are kept busy dealing with this all too common crime, and have instituted stiff penalties to fight it. If you live in Arizona and have been the victim of auto theft, you may be interested in finding information on the penalty that car thieves may face in your state. Since more than 60 percent of stolen cars are eventually recovered in Arizona, chances are fairly high you may find yourself pressing charges against a thief if your car is stolen.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Telephone

1. Get professional help if you are accused of auto theft. An attorney licensed to practice in Arizona will be your most accurate, reliable source of information regarding the penalty for auto theft in that state. Get a referral to an attorney through the American Bar Association (see Resources below).

2. Examine the state laws. You can access the state laws of Arizona online at the Arizona Revised Statutes Web site (see Resources below). The section on auto theft is located in Chapter 13, section 1803.

3. Know that in Arizona, auto theft is a felony. The degree of felony depends on whether you actually stole the car (a Class 5 felony) or are merely riding in a car that you know is stolen (a Class 6 felony).

4. Understand that a Class 5 felony has a minimum penalty of 18 months in prison in Arizona, while a Class 6 felony has a minimum penalty of 1 year in prison.

5. Find out what personal resources are available to crime victims. After learning about what penalty your car thief could face, take some time to soothe your nerves and find support for what you have been through at the National Center for Victims of Crime (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent auto theft by taking proactive measures to increase the security of your car. Installing protective devices, such as ignition locks and kill switches, will decrease the likelihood of your car being stolen. Common sense actions like always keeping your doors locked when you are away from the vehicle and parking in well-lit areas at night will further increase your car's security.
• In Arizona, if the person who stole your car is found guilty at a criminal trial and you later bring a civil suit against him or her for further damages, that person is not permitted to deny having committed the crime for the purposes of the civil trial.
• Never leave pets or small children in your car if you are not there, even for a short period of time and even if the car remains in your sight. It only takes a moment for a car to be stolen.

Who Can Help:

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