Auto Theft Attorney In Troy

Facing An Auto Theft Charge In Troy

If you have been accused of taking or using a vehicle without permission, you are likely worried about what comes next. An auto theft charge can affect your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities. You do not have to face this alone. Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. defends people charged with vehicle-related theft offenses here in Troy.

Our attorneys understand how stressful an arrest can be. You may be concerned about jail, fines, and how this will look to your family or employer. We listen to your side of the story, explain the process in Miami County courts, and help you understand your options. From your first call, we focus on protecting your rights and your future. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and deep roots in this community, our firm guides clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. If you need an auto theft attorney Troy residents trust, you can contact us to talk confidentially about your situation.

Call Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. at (937) 400-3170 to schedule your consultation today, or contact us online using our easy-to-use contact form.

Why Choose Our Troy Defense Team

When you are deciding who should stand between you and a criminal conviction, experience and judgment matter. At Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., our attorneys bring more than a century of combined practice to every case. Members of our team have served as prosecutors and public defenders, so we have seen how auto theft and related charges move through the system from multiple perspectives.

This background helps us evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence in a practical way. We understand how charging decisions are made, how plea offers are often structured, and what issues can be important in negotiations and in court. Our goal is to use that insight to help you make informed choices at each step, whether your case is in Miami County Municipal Court or Miami County Court of Common Pleas.

Clients often tell us they want both strong advocacy and personal attention. Our firm has been repeatedly voted as the best law firm in Troy since 2010, which reflects the trust our community places in us. We hold an AV peer review rating, which reflects high recognition for legal ability and ethical standards in that system. These honors do not decide your case, but they do show that other clients and attorneys have confidence in our work. We also work hard to make legal help accessible. We are a hometown firm with the resources you might expect from a larger practice. When a client cannot come to our office because they are in the Miami County Jail, in the hospital, or facing other challenges, we can arrange to meet them where they are. Throughout the case, we stay responsive and keep you updated so you are not left wondering what is happening.

Understanding Auto Theft Charges In Ohio

It is important to understand what the state is actually accusing you of. In Ohio, theft-related offenses involving vehicles can take several forms. Some cases involve allegations that a person knowingly took a car or truck with the intent to keep it or sell it. Others involve claims that someone used or kept a vehicle without consent, even if they later returned it.

The specific charge and potential penalties generally depend on several factors. These can include the value of the vehicle, whether a weapon or threat was involved, and whether the person has prior convictions. Some auto-related theft charges are treated as misdemeanors, while others are felonies that can bring the possibility of jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and a period of supervision. Beyond any sentence a court might impose, a conviction can create long-term consequences. A theft offense on your record can affect job applications, housing opportunities, professional licensing, and even some educational options. Employers often view vehicle theft especially seriously because of concerns about trust and access to property. That is why having a car theft attorney Troy residents rely on can be so valuable when the stakes are this high.

Your case will usually move through the local court system based on where the alleged conduct occurred. Many cases that begin with an arrest in the Troy area first appear in Miami County Municipal Court, which often handles arraignments and certain misdemeanor proceedings. Felony cases can be transferred to the Miami County Court of Common Pleas. Our attorneys regularly appear in these courts, so we can explain what each hearing means and what to expect. No two situations are the same. There may be questions about whether you had permission to use the vehicle, whether you knew it was reported stolen, or whether law enforcement followed proper procedures. Our role is to examine those facts carefully and help you understand how Ohio law applies to your specific circumstances.

What To Do After An Auto Theft Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest can feel confusing and overwhelming. You may be asked questions by officers, receive paperwork filled with legal terms, and be given a court date with little explanation. Taking a few careful steps can make a real difference in how your case unfolds and in how well your rights are protected.

One of the most important things you can do is be cautious about what you say and to whom. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney. Speaking about the incident with police, alleged victims, or even friends and family can create statements that might later be used in court. Waiting to discuss the details until you have legal advice is often in your best interest. After an arrest in Troy, you may be taken to the Miami County Jail for booking. The court will typically schedule an initial appearance or arraignment in Miami County Municipal Court, where issues like bond and the formal reading of charges occur. Keeping track of those dates and any conditions of release is important because missing court can lead to additional problems.

Right after an auto theft arrest, it can help to:

• Stay calm and remember that you have the right not to answer questions about the incident.
• Avoid discussing the facts of the case on the phone from jail or on social media.
• Review any paperwork for your court date and keep it in a safe place.
• Ask a trusted family member to contact a criminal defense lawyer on your behalf if you are in custody.
• Reach out to our firm as soon as possible so we can explain the process and start protecting your rights.

If you or your loved one is held at the Miami County Jail, our attorneys can arrange to meet there when appropriate. We know that time is often critical in these situations. Once we are involved, we work to gather information, review charging documents, and prepare for upcoming hearings so you are not facing them alone.

How Our Attorneys Defend Auto Theft Cases

People often ask what we actually do once we are hired to handle an auto theft case. Our work begins with listening to you. We want to understand what happened from your point of view, what concerns you most, and what goals you have. We then compare that information to the police reports, witness statements, and other materials provided by the prosecution.

In many cases, questions arise about intent, consent, or identity. We look at how the vehicle was reported stolen, who had access to keys, and what communications took place between the people involved. We also examine how any identification was made, how evidence was collected, and whether your constitutional rights were respected throughout the investigation. Our backgrounds as former prosecutors and public defenders give us insight into how auto theft allegations are often charged and negotiated. That experience helps us assess whether the evidence actually supports the specific offense alleged or whether a different approach might be appropriate. When a case is in Miami County, we are familiar with practices in the prosecutor’s office and with the procedures of the Troy area courts.

Not every case follows the same path. In some situations, it may be appropriate to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or to raise legal issues with the way the vehicle was seized or searched. In others, the focus may be on seeking a reduction in charges or working toward a resolution that limits the long term impact on your record. We discuss the benefits and risks of each option with you before decisions are made. Throughout the process, we stay in contact and explain what each stage means, from arraignment through pretrial conferences and, if needed, trial. Our goal is to help you make informed, thoughtful choices rather than reacting under pressure. When you work with an auto theft lawyer that Troy residents know in the community, you have a team that understands both the law and the local system standing with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for auto theft?

Penalties for auto theft depend on the exact charge, the value of the vehicle, and your prior record. Consequences can include probation, jail or prison time, fines, restitution, and a permanent conviction. We review your situation and explain the range of outcomes that courts in Miami County commonly consider.

Will an auto theft conviction stay on my record?

A conviction for a theft offense typically becomes part of your criminal record and can appear on background checks. That can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities. In some situations, Ohio law allows for record sealing. We can discuss how the specific charge you face may affect your future.

How can a local lawyer in Troy help my case?

A local attorney understands how cases usually move through Miami County Municipal Court and Miami County Court of Common Pleas. We know local procedures and work frequently with the offices that prosecute these charges. That familiarity helps us anticipate issues and guide you through each step more effectively.

What should I do if the police want to talk?

If officers want to question you about an auto theft, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Politely state that you wish to speak with an attorney before answering questions. Once you contact us, we can advise you about how to handle any further contact.

Can your attorneys meet me at the jail?

Yes. When a client is held at the Miami County Jail after an arrest, we can arrange to meet there when it is appropriate. We know that many people cannot come to our office right away. Our team works to provide flexible meeting options, so you still receive the guidance you need.

Talk With A Troy Auto Theft Lawyer

An auto theft accusation in or around Troy is serious, but it does not have to define the rest of your life. Taking early, informed steps can help protect your record, your employment prospects, and your freedom. Speaking with a local attorney about your options is a practical way to regain some control over the situation.

At Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., we bring decades of combined experience, recognition from peers and this community, and a commitment to personalized service to every auto-related theft case we handle. When you contact our firm, you can expect honest advice, clear explanations, and respect for your situation. If you need an auto theft attorney Troy trusts, we are ready to talk with you.

Call (937) 400-3170 to schedule a confidential consultation with our team today.