Motor Vehicle Tampering Lawyer in St. Louis
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This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Motor Vehicle Tampering St. Louis, MO
In Missouri, the concept of “tampering with a motor vehicle” is not just limited to automobiles. If you’ve been accused of stealing or otherwise operating a car, boat, motorcycle, or indeed any object with a gas- or electric-powered motor in St. Louis, MO that is not legally yours, you could be looking at severe penalties and the loss of some of your rights.
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St. Louis Motor Vehicle Tampering Attorneys
Missouri considers a "motor vehicle" to be "an automobile, airplane, motorcycle, motorboat or any other motor-propelled vehicle" according to Missouri RS 569.080. This definition includes devices like scooters or lawnmowers that most people may not consider a "vehicle." The law also includes possessing or receiving a motor vehicle which was previously stolen, as well as "acquiring [a motor vehicle] for a consideration which he or she knew was far below its reasonable value," as crimes equal to that of actively stealing a car.
All motor vehicle tampering crimes in Missouri are classified as "tampering in the first degree," no matter the value of what was stolen. The state specifies only one punishment for this class of tampering: a Class D felony. While these are one of the lowest classifications of felonies in Missouri state law, with a sentencing guideline that ranges from one year in county jail to seven years in state prison and a fine of no more than $10,000, they are still a felony conviction. This means that following your release from custody you cannot vote in elections or run for office, possess a firearm, and must disclose your previous conviction to landlords and employers.
At Combs Waterkotte, we are ready to listen to you and your situation. We take time to communicate with St. Louis-based clients that may be charged with motor vehicle tampering.
Vehicle Tampering Laws in Missouri
Vehicle tampering laws vary by jurisdiction, but generally, they encompass a range of actions that involve interfering with a vehicle without the owner's consent. These laws are designed to protect vehicles from theft, vandalism, and other unauthorized activities. Here are some common examples of vehicle tampering laws:
- Unauthorized Entry: Unauthorized entry into a vehicle, such as breaking into a car or gaining access to the interior without permission, is typically prohibited by law.
- Theft Prevention Devices: Tampering with anti-theft devices or security systems installed in vehicles, such as disabling an alarm system or removing a steering wheel lock, is illegal in many jurisdictions.
- Vehicle Damage: Deliberately damaging a vehicle or its components, such as slashing tires, breaking windows, or keying the paint, constitutes vehicle tampering and is subject to criminal charges.
- Vehicle Interference: Actions that interfere with the operation or safety of a vehicle, such as tampering with brakes, cutting brake lines, or disabling lights or signals, are prohibited by law.
- Unauthorized Use: Using a vehicle without the owner's consent, such as joyriding or borrowing a vehicle without permission, may also be considered vehicle tampering or theft, depending on the circumstances.
- Fraudulent Practices: Engaging in fraudulent activities related to vehicle ownership or registration, such as altering vehicle identification numbers (VINs) or forging registration documents, is illegal and constitutes vehicle tampering.
- Trespassing: Entering or remaining in a vehicle without authorization, such as hiding in a vehicle to evade detection or using a vehicle as a shelter without permission, may also be considered vehicle tampering or trespassing.
If you or someone you know has recently been charged with one of the above, contact a St. Louis vehicle tampering law firm today for legal representation. You can call us at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Beating Vehicle Tampering Cases in St. Louis
Every jurisdiction is unique, but there are a few themes regarding winning a vehicle tampering case in St. Louis, MO. See below for more information and a few common ways we can help you fight for your rights if under suspicion of vehicle tampering:
Steps if You’re Accused of Motor Vehicle Tampering:
- You will likely here the term “knowingly” when it comes to these cases. If, for example, you didn’t know you were committing a crime, it’s usually up to the prosecution to prove you wrong.
- Consult with a vehicle tampering attorney as soon as possible and provide any information that may help with your conviction.
- Vehicle tampering usually start as a felony charge and can be brought to misdemeanor status with the right legal representation.
- Borrowing a vehicle with permission from the owner is completely lawful unless you commit a crime while driving.
Common Vehicle Tampering Charges in St. Louis
Vehicle tampering charges typically involve actions that interfere with a vehicle’s operation, safety, or security without the owner’s consent. See below for common motor vehicle charges in St. Louis, MO:
- Criminal Mischief: Intentionally damaging or tampering with a vehicle, such as breaking windows, slashing tires, or keying the paint, may result in criminal mischief charges.
- Unauthorized Entry: Illegally entering a vehicle without the owner’s consent, such as breaking into a car to steal valuables or joyriding, can lead to charges of unauthorized entry or burglary.
- Theft of Vehicle Parts: Stealing or tampering with vehicle parts, such as catalytic converters, airbags, or stereo systems, may result in theft or vandalism charges.
- Fraudulent Practices: Engaging in fraudulent activities related to vehicle ownership or registration, such as altering vehicle identification numbers (VINs) or forging registration documents, may result in charges of fraud or identity theft.
- Unauthorized Use: Using a vehicle without the owner’s consent, such as borrowing a vehicle without permission or using it for unauthorized purposes, may result in charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle or joyriding.
Vehicle Tampering Convictions in St. Louis, MO
Tampering with a motor vehicle is a grave offense and usually treated as a felony charge. This is where Combs Waterkotte comes in to help–it’s our directive to make sure anyone accused of or convicted of a vehicle tampering crime in St. Louis, MO, gets the best legal representation. Offenders convicted of first-degree tampering may be sentenced to up to seven years in prison or fined up to $5,000. Those found guilty of second-degree tampering could face fines of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year.
St. Louis Vehicle Tampering Defense Attorneys
As a trusted auto and criminal defense attorney in the Great St. Louis, MO, area,Combs Waterkotte is here to help you fight any allegations or convictions. Don’t hesitate to call us at (314) 900-HELP now or contact the Combs Waterkotte team now.
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