Unlawful Taking Of Motor Vehicle

Legal Definition

A person commits unlawful taking of a motor vehicle when they take, operate, exercise control over, or ride in a motor vehicle without the owner's consent. The offense does not require an intent to permanently deprive the owner of the vehicle, distinguishing it from larceny or auto theft. Temporary unauthorized use—sometimes called "joyriding"—falls within this statute.

Possible Punishment

Basic sentence of 18 months imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000. A mandatory period of parole follows release. Restitution to the vehicle owner for damage or loss may also be ordered.

Property-Crime Cases in Doña Ana County

Property charges in New Mexico scale with dollar value and circumstances. The same shoplifting conduct can be a petty misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of what was taken, and burglary escalates sharply when the structure is a home or someone is inside. That is why our charge database lists several versions of larceny and burglary with different classifications.

Property cases also drive a large share of repeat bookings: failure to appear on an older larceny case frequently brings someone back into the detention center on a bench warrant alongside any new charge.

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