Aggravated motor vehicle theft refers to a more serious form of vehicle theft where the circumstances surrounding the crime exceed what would be considered typical. This includes situations where an individual obtains or exercises control over the motor vehicle without authorization by using threat or deception, and/or with the use of a deadly weapon, or when the crime puts someone other than the perpetrator at risk of harm.
In some states, aggravated motor vehicle theft can be charged if the individual alters or disguises the vehicle in the commission of a crime, such as stealing the vehicle to use as a getaway car. It may also be charged if the vehicle is taken with the intent to cause injury to another person or if bodily injury results from the theft. In some cases this may cause the charge to be elevated to a class 3 felony.
The total bail amount for aggravated motor vehicle theft can vary depending on the state the crime was committed, the specifics of the case, and the individual accused of committing the crime. Bail amounts can range from a few thousand dollars for cases limited to property damage, up to twenty thousand dollars or more for more serious offenses resulting in bodily injury.
In some cases, a person charged with aggravated motor vehicle theft may be facing additional charges for removing the motor vehicle license plates or altering the vehicle identification number. If the individual obtained the vehicle with the intent to sell it or otherwise profit from its sale, the charges may be elevated to a class 1 misdemeanor or higher.
The judge will consider various factors when determining the total bail amount for aggravated motor vehicle theft in court including but not limited to:
- Severity of the crime: Whether the vehicle was damaged, whether anyone was injured, and the value of the vehicle.
- Criminal history: The judge will consider the defendant’s criminal history, including past convictions and whether they have a history of failing to appear in court.
- Flight risk: How likely they are to flee and not appear in court.
- Community safety: Whether the defendant is a danger to the community, meaning whether they are likely to commit additional crimes if released on bail.
- Financial resources: Their ability to pay bail, whether they have steady employment, or if they have family members or other sources of support.
- Likelihood of conviction: The judge may consider the strength of the prosecution’s case against the defendant and adjust the bail accordingly.
Contact a Reputable Bail Bondsman
After you have appeared in front of a judge for your aggravated motor vehicle theft charge and they have granted you a total bail amount, contact a bail bonds agent to help you get released from jail. The bail bondsman will post bond on your behalf in exchange for a non-refundable fee that is equal to 10% of the total bail amount. Once this bond has been posted, you will be released from jail while you await trial.
If you have been given a total bail amount, use our aggravated motor vehicle theft bail bond calculator to determine the amount you’ll need to pay a local, reputable bail bond agent to post bond on your behalf.