Call Now To Get Your Life Back
207-571-8146
Menu
Search
We Fight To Have Your Charges Dismissed

Is the Unauthorized Use of Property a Crime?

check

AVOID A
CRIMINAL RECORD

check

OUR RATES INCLUDE
TRIAL FEES*

check

OVER 115+
GOOGLE REVIEWS

check

OVER 165+
AVVO REVIEWS

Dec 10, 2019

Is the Unauthorized Use of Property a Crime?

Many people consider theft to be stealing an item from another person; however, an individual could also be charged with a theft crime if they use the property of another without their consent. Being charged with any type of theft can have severe impact upon a person’s freedoms and future, so it is imperative that you retain powerful legal counsel to challenge the allegations if you have been arrested for this crime.

Under Maine’s criminal code 17-A §360, the unauthorized use of someone else’s property is theft, and a person is guilty if they:

  • Knew they did not have the owner’s consent but still took, operated, or exercised control of a vehicle, or if they knew that a vehicle was unlawfully obtained, but still rode in it. (Class D offense)
  • Committed the offense listed above and has a record of 2 or more convictions of specific theft crimes (Class C offense)
  • Had custody of a vehicle with the permission of the owner in agreement to perform a service, such as maintenance, repair, or for a specific use, but then operated the vehicle for their own purposes without the owner’s consent in a way that grossly violated the agreement. (Class D)
  • Committed the above offense with 2 or more prior convictions of specific theft crimes (Class C offense)
  • Had custody of property as a rental or lease in agreement with the owner or had custody under a borrower’s agreement with a library or museum, and knowingly failed to return the property for a lengthy amount of time that grossly violated the specified return period of the agreement, and against the owner’s consent. (Class D offense)
  • Committed the above crime with a criminal record of at least 2 prior convictions of specific theft crimes (Class C offense)

What are the penalties if I am convicted?

Maine prosecutes theft crimes very strictly, and though the state no longer categorizes criminal offenses as misdemeanor or felony, they do charge violations of the law under certain classes. An offense of unauthorized use of property will be charged according to the circumstances of the crime and the offender’s criminal record. Most theft crimes of this nature are charged as either Class D or Class C offenses.

Class D: A crime punishable by a fine of as much as $2000 and incarceration of up to 364 days.

Class C: A crime punishable by a fine of as much as $5000 and incarceration of up to 5 years.

“Thank you for all your help concerning my case. As a veteran returning from overseas service, your willingness to assist me in a time of need and when I wasn’t in a position to pay for an attorney is greatly appreciated. You helped secure my visitation with my children and my future and I can continue on with life knowing that I have a clean record.”

Categories

Archives

Ready to get your life back? Call now!

Ready to Get Started? Contact Our Firm Today!

If you are facing criminal charges in Maine, the attorneys at The Maine Criminal Defense Group are here to help. Call our office to speak with
one of our team members, who will discuss your case with you and set up a consultation with one of our attorneys

Call Now Button