Motor Vehicle Tampering Lawyer 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.
At Combs Law Group, we are ready to listen to you and your situation. We take time to communicate with all our St. Louis, MO motor vehicle tampering clients and formulate a bespoke defense for each of them based on the unique attributes of their particular case. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP to talk with an attorney and schedule a confidential review of your case at no cost to you.
Vehicle Theft Laws in Missouri
As we mentioned above, 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 do 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 theft 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.
Contact A St. Louis, MO Motor Vehicle Tampering Law Firm
If you or someone you know has recently been charged with motor vehicle tampering, it is imperative that they hire an attorney. However, there are hundreds of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area and throughout Missouri and it is not easy to determine the right one for your situation. The experienced motor tampering attorneys at Combs Law Group, though, are proud to be a criminal defense law firm in St. Louis, MO with a difference, one that we hope you will consider for your case.
Our focus at Combs Law Group is on providing personalized legal services to all our clients. Our attorneys are available at any time to discuss your case and provide you with all relevant details and information. You can be assured that when you come to Combs Law Group, your case will not be treated like just another docket. Our firm will work tirelessly to formulate a strong legal strategy and work towards the ideal outcome for your case. Contact us today to discuss the particulars of your case and learn more about how a reputable St. Louis, MO criminal defense law firm can help you minimize or even eliminate the effect a motor vehicle tampering charge could have on your life and freedom.