Vehicle Theft in Michigan

There are many types of theft a person can commit and one of the more common ones still remains automobile theft. Cars are so universally attractive and move easily -- after all they are on wheels. They can also be broken down into pieces and their separate parts sold for quick and easy money. Auto theft in Michigan however is becoming more difficult; here are a few reasons why.

The Heat is On

HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) is an auto theft prevention program now in the state that coordinates the actions of citizens with that of law enforcement agencies to prevent auto theft. Citizens are encouraged and rewarded for calling the toll-free tip line to report information on suspected auto theft activities, stolen vehicles, chop shops and even other forms of theft such as insurance fraud, and identity theft.

The rewards for being a tipster are enticing and are as follows:

• Up to a $1,000 reward for the arrest and warrant of persons who are suspected of auto theft, related automobile insurance fraud or automobile related identity theft.
• Up to a $10,000 reward for the arrest and commitment for trial of suspected theft ring members and/or chop shop operators.
• $2,000 reward for the arrest and warrant of any carjacking suspect

Police Tracking of Vehicles

The state vehicle code laws involving the tracking of stolen vehicles per Michigan Vehicle Code laws also makes it easier for the thief to get caught if a car is stolen. As soon as a stolen vehicle has been reported, by dictate of vehicle code law 257.252, police must report the theft through the law enforcement information network. Modern computer databases make life much easier to track crime.

Accused of Auto Theft?

If you or someone you know have been accused of auto theft in the Michigan area, it is imperative that you contact a Michigan theft defense attorney as soon as possible if you wish to preserve your freedoms. If convicted, you can expect to spend time in prison and pay heavy monetary fines. At the offices of Freedman and Freedman, we have been representing criminal defense clients in the area since 1994 including crimes involving auto theft. We can help navigate you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and help you secure the best possible outcome for your circumstance, possibly even getting the charges dismissed. Choosing a competent criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between your freedom and imprisonment.

Contact a Michigan Theft Defense Attorney in our office for a thorough, confidential consultation free of charge.