Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle | UUMV Texas
If you are facing a charge in Tarrant County, Texas for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (also known as UUMV), contact the criminal defense team at Barnett Howard & Williams PLLC right away for a free consultation to explain UUMV Texas law and the possible punishment ranges and prosecution strategies.
What is Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle or UUMV?
According to Title 7, Chapter 31 of the Texas Penal Code, in order to secure a conviction for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- A person intentionally or knowingly;
- Operates another’s car, boat, airplane, or other motor-propelled vehicle;
- Without the effective consent of the owner.
The crime of UUMV Texas is a State Jail Felony, which carries a punishment range of confinement in a Texas state jail facility for 180 days to 2 years, and up to a fine of $10,000.
UUMV Texas is Found Under the Theft Statutes
Although the crime of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is found among the Theft section of the Texas Penal Code, the prosecutor is not required to prove up the value of the vehicle at trial. Additionally, as you can see from elements of the crime, there is no requirement that the district attorney prove that the defendant even committed a theft. Some people think of “joy riding” when they hear about the crime of UUMV, but we see it often when persons involved in drug or other criminal transactions allow someone to borrow their car and then the person ends up driving it longer than expected.
UUMV is a Serious Offense in Texas
A conviction for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle is a serious offense in that it is classified as a felony in Texas. UUMV cases can be won at trial. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hire a proven team of criminal defense attorney that know the courts and the prosecutors in Tarrant County and are willing to do everything it takes to protect your liberty and your future.
Free Consultation With An Experienced UUMV Defense Attorney
Contact us at 817-993-9249 to learn how we can help you fight charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle or UUMV Texas. Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys will take the time to learn about you and your case so that we can effectively represent you in court. Contact us today.
