Auto Theft Committed to Winning Your Case

Motor Vehicle Theft Defense in Fort Wayne

Put More Than 27 Years of Legal Experience Behind Your Defense

A motor vehicle theft case can turn on details that aren’t obvious from an arrest report. Who had permission to use the vehicle? How was it recovered? What connects the accused person to it? I examine these questions rather than simply accepting the prosecution’s version of events.

Early review is especially important when investigators want a statement, police have seized a phone or other property, or relevant messages and records need to be preserved. I provide direct legal guidance while evaluating the evidence behind the accusation.

Call (260) 833-7249 now to discuss a Fort Wayne auto theft accusation directly with me.

Work Directly with Me Throughout Your Case

You’ll work with me from the initial consultation through the resolution of your case. I personally prepare each defense instead of handing it to an associate, so I remain familiar with the evidence, legal issues, and strategy at every stage.

I have handled more than 2,500 cases involving theft offenses and other allegations ranging from traffic violations to serious felonies. I also serve part of my time as a public defender and regularly work within the Fort Wayne and Allen County criminal court system. I am a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

How I Review the Evidence Behind the Charge

The prosecution may rely on surveillance footage, license-plate data, location records, fingerprints, digital messages, witness identifications, keys, or title and registration documents. I examine how each item was obtained, what it establishes, and whether it reliably connects my client to the alleged offense.

My review may address:

Permission: Whether the owner authorized my client to borrow, drive, repair, purchase, or possess the vehicle
Intent: Whether the evidence shows an intent to deprive the owner of the vehicle’s value or use
Possession: Whether control is established or merely inferred because my client was a passenger, was nearby, or knew another person involved
Identification: Whether witness accounts, video, location information, or physical evidence reliably identify my client
Police conduct: Whether a stop, search, seizure, warrant, consent request, or interrogation complied with constitutional requirements

If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search and seizure, I assess whether there is a legal basis to seek its exclusion. I also examine the circumstances surrounding any statements to determine whether law enforcement respected my client’s rights.

How Indiana Law Treats Theft of a Motor Vehicle

Indiana theft law generally addresses knowingly or intentionally exerting unauthorized control over another person’s property with intent to deprive the owner of its value or use. When the property is a motor vehicle, its nature can affect how the offense is charged under current law.

Related allegations may include receiving or retaining a stolen vehicle or vehicle part, unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle, criminal conversion, or another property offense. The precise charge, felony level, potential sentence, and collateral consequences depend on the applicable statute, alleged conduct, prior convictions, and evidence.

Proof Issues in Indiana Vehicle Theft Cases

The State doesn’t necessarily need an eyewitness who saw the vehicle being taken. Prosecutors may use circumstantial evidence, such as possession of keys, location data, messages, surveillance footage, or the circumstances of recovery, to ask a court or jury to infer what happened.

Authorization & Prior Access

Permission may be disputed when the accused person is a relative, friend, employee, borrower, purchaser, passenger, or someone who previously had access to the vehicle. Messages, established patterns of use, employment duties, repair arrangements, and loan or purchase records may clarify whether that person’s control was unauthorized.

Knowledge, Intent, & Possession

Being near or inside a vehicle doesn’t establish who controlled it, what that person knew, or what they intended. I examine whether the evidence proves those elements or instead points to mistaken identity, disputed permission, a misunderstanding, or another person’s access.

Records & Related Allegations

Title, registration, loan, rental, repair, towing, and recovery records can change how an allegation is understood. The facts may also support a separate accusation involving receiving stolen property, a vehicle part, or unauthorized entry rather than the alleged taking itself. Any charging decision must be evaluated under the identified statute and current Indiana law.

What to Do After an Arrest or Police Contact

Don’t discuss the allegation with investigators before receiving legal advice. A statement intended to explain a misunderstanding can become evidence. You should also avoid contacting the owner or other witnesses about the facts of the case.

Preserve potentially relevant materials:

Permission messages and other communications about the vehicle
Purchase, loan, rental, title, registration, repair, or employment records
Location records, photographs, receipts, and account information
Documents describing release conditions, court dates, or police seizures

Don’t delete messages, alter an account, discard documents, or attempt to change existing records. After an arrest or summons, the process may include an initial hearing, bond conditions, discovery, motions, negotiations, and trial preparation. Deadlines and available options vary, so I identify what applies to your specific case.

Discuss Your Charge & the Next Steps

Schedule a free consultation to discuss what happened, what evidence may exist, and what comes next in the criminal process. I offer 24/7 availability for arrests, bail bond hearings, and urgent law enforcement questioning. You’ll have direct access to me, along with a transparent discussion of defense strategy and legal fees. Flat-fee options may be available depending on the case.

Call (260) 833-7249 to speak with me about a motor vehicle theft charge in Fort Wayne.

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Quality Is My Priority

27+ Years of Legal Experience
More Than 2,500 Cases Handled
AVVO 10.0 Rating
Committed to Achieving the Best Possible Outcome
Member of National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Personalized Dedication to Each Client