William D. Kickham
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Larceny Of A Motor Vehicle

Car Ignition Lock

Theft of motor vehicles is one of the more common of theft crimes in Massachusetts, as well as nationally. This crime is defined and governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 28, which prohibits receiving, stealing, buying, concealing or possessing a motor vehicle or trailer that a person knew or had reason to know had been stolen. An important type of evidence that prosecutors can use to prove that a defendant either knew or had reason to know that a motor vehicle (or its parts) had been stolen, is vehicle identification numbers ("VIN's") on a vehicle or its parts which have been removed or altered. If a person is found to be in possession of a motor vehicle, and its VIN has been removed, scratched out or altered, that will constitute admissible evidence that the defendant knew the vehicle was stolen, or "hot." Additionally, this statute also renders it a crime to intentionally harbor or hide a person who stole a motor vehicle.

You may be wondering about the legal implications of an equally common practice: "Joyriding." This is, of course, knowingly using a motor vehicle without authority. This offense does not fall under the larceny of a motor vehicle statute, because the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his vehicle is presumed to be absent under circumstances of "joyriding." The statutory presumption is that the offender intended temporary use of the vehicle only. A first offense of "Joyriding" is classified as a misdemeanor and is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 24(2)(a).

Penalties for Larceny of A Motor Vehicle

Sentencing options for this crime run to a maximum of 15 years in state prison, a maximum of 2 ½ years in a county jail, a fine of up to $15,000, or both a prison sentence and a fine. For a variety of Massachusetts crimes, one possible disposition is known as Continued Without A Finding. While not a straight guilty finding, it's an important plea option when a trial is not the preferred legal course. Importantly for the crime of larceny of a motor vehicle, this particular charge cannot be continued without a finding, and second conviction produces a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year in jail. "Mandatory minimum" means the judge has no choice: If the jury returns a guilty verdict on a second offense for this crime, the defendant will automatically be sentenced to one year in jail. The punishment for intentionally concealing or hiding a motor vehicle thief runs to a maximum of ten years in state prison, or a maximum 2 ½ years in a county jail, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both imprisonment and the fine.

Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Theft Defense Attorney: (781) 320-0062 or (617) 285-3600

The penalties for this crime are very severe. If you or someone you know has been charged with motor vehicle larceny or any other crime in Massachusetts, Dedham and Boston criminal defense attorney William D. Kickham can bring you the legal talent you need. Attorney Kickham has been defending criminal cases in Massachusetts for almost twenty years, and his successful track record speaks for itself. His firm, the Law Offices of William D. Kickham, responds to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and even makes "house calls." If you or someone you know needs a talented criminal defense attorney who knows how to win tough cases, call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week at either Ph.: (781) 320-0062 or Ph.: (617) 285-3600,or contact us online. Don't settle on a choice for your attorney until you speak with Attorney William D. Kickham. If you hired a lawyer before speaking with Attorney Kickham, you'd be settling for less.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
When I was arrested for DUI, I was absolutely terrified. Had it not been for you, I might have been convicted of something I was not at all guilty of. My work life, my family life, my reputation, all could have been destroyed. You stood by me like the legal version of a bodyguard - and because of you, I was found not guilty. G.M.
★★★★★
When we got the call that our son had been arrested and charged with rape, we almost fainted. We know our son. He is not violent; he has never abused anyone, let alone another girl… If not for you and your "take no prisoners" attitude, our son might have been convicted of a crime that would have sent him to state prison. As far as we're concerned, our son owes you his life, and we owe you the world. We will never forget you. A.H. and P.H.
★★★★★
I hired Mr. William D. Kickham for a very important legal issue and I was extremely satisfied by the results. His in depth knowledge about the matter and his intelligent thinking was extremely beneficial. He is really an expert. He was also very supportive and sensitive towards my concerns. It was great to have a lawyer of his capacity. Thanks William for all the Help. N.G.
★★★★★
Atty. Kickham defended me on a charge of raping my girlfriend, who made up the whole story out of revenge because I was interested in someone else. If it weren’t for Attorney Kickham proving me innocent, God knows what might have happened to me. Z.B.
★★★★★
Mr. Kickham represented me on a trumped-up charge of domestic violence. The prosecutor and police wouldn’t back down, even after my spouse told them it was all untrue. They insisted on taking me to trial, and Mr. Kickham never wavered. He was my legal bodyguard, and I was found not guilty. M.B.
★★★★★
Of the many talents Atty. Kickham has, two are these: 1) He is ten times as persuasive as the best lawyer you’ve seen in the movies; and 2) Nothing - but nothing - gets by him. The police arrested me on completely false drug charges, and after a heated courtroom battle, Atty. Kickham won the day. Trust me, it was no surprise. D.C.
★★★★★
Because I mildly disciplined my child for throwing a tantrum, I was actually charged with child abuse. It was horrifying. Atty. Kickham fought for me tooth and nail, until I was declared not guilty. One hell of a lawyer. D.D.
★★★★★
I complimented a co-worker on her looks and patted her on the back as I did so. Two hours later, the police showed up and accused me of indecent assault & battery. From the day I hired him, Atty. Kickham fought the DA’s office until the charges were dropped. If not for him, my life would have been ruined. A.K.