Defending Your Rights & Protecting Your Freedom Areas We Serve

Melton Law proudly serves clients in Taylorsville, South Jordan, the surrounding areas, and the Salt Lake City region, providing top-quality defense and advocacy throughout these communities

Auto Theft Defense in Taylorsville

Defense for Vehicle Theft & Unauthorized Control Charges

Vehicle theft allegations often turn on consent, intent, identification, and how long the vehicle remained out of the owner’s possession. At Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law, we defend Taylorsville clients accused of taking, keeping, or using a vehicle without authorization under Utah law.

We represent individuals during criminal investigations and after arrests, and we’ve helped thousands of local clients protect their rights. Our broader criminal defense practice includes theft charges, DUI, drug charges, assault, sex crime allegations, and traffic ticket expungements.

Call (801) 781-5803 for a free initial consultation about an auto theft or unauthorized vehicle control allegation.

How Utah Classifies Vehicle Theft Charges

Utah law distinguishes theft of an operable motor vehicle from unauthorized control of a vehicle. The applicable charge can depend on whether the prosecution alleges temporary deprivation or an intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle more permanently.

Unauthorized Control of a Vehicle

Under Utah Code Section 41-1a-1314(1), exercising unauthorized control over a motor vehicle without the consent of its owner or lawful custodian, while intending to deprive that person of possession temporarily, is generally a class A misdemeanor. Consent to use a vehicle on an earlier occasion isn’t presumed to extend to a later use under Section 41-1a-1314(2).

Unauthorized control for an extended time is a lesser included offense of theft when the alleged theft involves an operable motor vehicle. This means its required elements are contained within the more serious alleged offense.

Facts That Can Elevate Unauthorized Control

The charge can become a third-degree felony if the vehicle isn’t returned within 24 hours after the unauthorized control begins. That classification can also apply when the alleged conduct involves specified damage or use of the vehicle.

Facts that may elevate the allegation include:

Causing at least $500 in property damage to the vehicle
Using the vehicle to commit a felony
Damaging the vehicle to gain entry or make it operate

Theft of an Operable Motor Vehicle

Under Utah Code Section 76-6-404, theft requires proof that a person exercised unauthorized control over another person’s property with the purpose of depriving that person of it. Utah Code Section 76-6-404(3)(a)(ii) classifies theft of an operable motor vehicle as a second-degree felony regardless of the vehicle’s value.

Intent is central to this distinction. Evidence of temporary use, disputed permission, or a planned return may require a different legal analysis than an allegation that someone intended to keep, sell, conceal, or abandon the vehicle.

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Areas We Serve Proudly Serving Clients Across Utah

Holladay
Kearns
Midvale
Millcreek
Murray
Salt Lake City
Sandy
South Jordan
South Salt Lake
Taylorsville
West Jordan
West Valley City

How We Assess Auto Theft Allegations in Taylorsville

We review the accusation and the prosecution’s evidence before making defense decisions. A vehicle-related allegation can turn on owner consent, the accused person’s intent, and whether the evidence reliably identifies the correct person.

Consent and intent. We challenge the prosecution’s account of intent in theft-type cases. Messages, prior permission, the relationship between the parties, statements about returning the vehicle, and the circumstances of its recovery may indicate whether the allegation involves temporary unauthorized control or an intent to deprive.

Identification and surveillance evidence. We scrutinize witness identification and surveillance evidence rather than treating either as automatically reliable. We examine what a witness could observe, whether video clearly shows the driver, and whether other evidence connects the accused to the vehicle.

Property Value & Unlawfully Obtained Evidence

We contest the assessed property value when valuation affects a theft charge. Although the value of an operable motor vehicle doesn’t control its second-degree felony classification, it may still matter when the dispute includes other property or a different theft allegation.

We also examine how officers obtained physical evidence, statements, location information, and digital records. If evidence was obtained unlawfully, we can move to suppress it by asking the court to exclude it from the prosecution’s case. We represent clients facing theft charges throughout Taylorsville, the Salt Lake City area, and surrounding regions.

What Our Clients are Saying

Reviews and Testimonials

At Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"I wish I could leave 10 stars!"
I can’t recommend Melton Law enough. If you ever need help their staff is so knowledgeable and caring. They are great at answering questions and always make sure you understand what’s going on.

- Joni
"Knowledgeable and understanding."
William was very helpful during my process. He was very knowledgeable and understanding. Highly recommended and would send anyone to him if they need a great lawyer.

- Alex
"Thanks Will for being amazing!"
Melton Law is the most friendly and dependable law firm I’ve ever dealt with. Both him and his associates are willing to answer all my concerns and questions with easy to make me comfortable.

- Chelsea
"A real go getter."
I've been represented by William on a few ongoing cases. He definitely knows the law and how to apply it. He's gone as far as looking into very fine details the law to make the best possible outcome. A real go getter.

- Barry
"Highly recommend."
This dude helped me out. I would recommend not getting screwed and going here. To someone who's going to help you.

- Borja
"This is the best lawyer you’ll ever come in contact with."
This is the best lawyer you’ll ever come in contact with. He’ll spend thousands of hours making sure that you’re well represented and is honest in his consultation. Thank you so much for the time you’re spending and the dedication you have on my husband’s case!

- Victoria

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Discuss Your Vehicle Theft Charge with Our Firm

Contact us through the contact form to discuss the accusation, the evidence, and your next steps. Virtual appointments are available, and we offer services in Spanish.

Our pricing is straightforward, with no hidden fees. You can reach us through the contact form or speak with us by phone.

Call (801) 781-5803 to discuss your auto theft defense with Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law.

Why Choose Utah DUI Attorney-Melton Law?

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We’re here to make sure you feel at ease, with a team that prioritizes professionalism and respect every step of the way.
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With hundreds of positive reviews, we are known for being relatable, confident, and trustworthy—ready to help you through even the toughest legal challenges.

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