Facing a First-Time Motor Vehicle Theft Charge
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 25, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
It’s my first charge ever but it’s taken away of a miter vehicular.
And im tryna to see what could I be facing and who do I need to see to get a lawyer that can help me.
Attorney Answer
You're likely facing a felony charge under Mississippi's motor-vehicle-taking law, and whether you get a public defender or private counsel depends on what you can afford — but the exact charge and penalty range depend on facts your record doesn't yet show.
Under Mississippi Code Annotated § 97-17-42, it is a felony to willfully and without authority take or take away another person's motor vehicle, whether the intent was to permanently or only temporarily deprive the owner, punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. It isn't yet clear whether your charge falls under this statute or under a separate grand larceny theory requiring intent to permanently deprive the owner — those can carry different penalty exposure, and only your charging paperwork will show which applies. Being a first offense can help as a mitigating factor at sentencing or in plea talks, but it does not change what you're actually charged with.
What you can do:
1. Get a copy of your charging documents to see exactly what statute and facts are alleged.
2. If you can't afford a lawyer, ask the court for a public defender at your arraignment.
3. If you can afford private counsel, contact the Mississippi Bar's lawyer referral service for a criminal defense attorney in your area.
4. Avoid discussing the incident with anyone besides your attorney until you have one.
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Courts & Legal Aid in Mississippi
- File or look up a case through the Mississippi Judiciary, which serves the state.
- Get free civil legal help from Mississippi Legal Services.
- Use the LSC — Find Legal Aid to find a local legal-aid office by ZIP code.
- Use the LawHelp.org to browse free legal information and self-help resources.
- Use the ABA Lawyer Referral Directory to get matched with a local attorney through your state bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between unauthorized vehicle taking and grand larceny?
Many states distinguish these by intent — taking a vehicle temporarily without permission is often charged separately from theft requiring intent to permanently deprive the owner, with different penalties.
Does being a first-time offender affect sentencing?
Generally, a first offense can be treated as a mitigating factor in sentencing or plea negotiations, though it does not change the underlying charge itself.
How do I get a lawyer if I can't afford one?
Generally, a person can request a public defender at arraignment if they cannot afford private counsel, or contact a state bar's lawyer referral service.
