It is unlawful for a person to steal a motor vehicle or to buy, receive, possess, or conceal a motor vehicle for which that person knows or has reason to know is stolen. It is also unlawful for a person to take a motor vehicle and to steal or take any parts or accessories from that motor vehicle.
Under Massachusetts criminal law, the crime of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266, Section 28.
Legal Elements of Larceny of a Stolen Vehicle
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In order to be found guilty of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle under Massachusetts criminal law, there must be strong evidence of the following legal elements:
- that the defendant took and carried away a motor vehicle;
- that the motor vehicle was owned by someone other than the defendant; and
- that the defendant did so with the intent to permanently deprive the person of the motor vehicle.
Potential Punishment if Convicted of Larceny of a Stolen Vehicle in Massachusetts
The potential consequences for Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, if convicted, in the Commonwealth may be found at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266, Section 28.
A defendant convicted of a Larceny of a Motor Vehicle shall be sentenced to state prison for not more than 15 years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than 2 ½ years.
If the defendant is convicted of concealing a motor vehicle thief with knowledge that that person is a thief, the defendant shall be sentenced to state prison for not more than 10 years or in a jail or house of correction for not more than 1 ½ years.
If you have been charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and need an experienced attorney call (508) 213-9113 to schedule a free consultation with the Massachusetts Larceny Defense Lawyers at the Law Office of John L. Calcagni III.
