Auto Theft Attorney In Houston

Facing An Auto Theft Charge In Houston

An accusation that you stole a car or used a vehicle without permission can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may be worried about going to jail, losing your job, and carrying a permanent record that follows you for years. You are also under pressure to make decisions about your case before you fully understand what you are facing.

At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we represent people accused of auto theft, vehicle theft, and related offenses in Houston. Our criminal defense team is based here, and we know how these cases move through Harris County criminal courts. When you reach out to us, you can talk directly with an attorney about what happened and what comes next. Our firm is led by Attorney Jed Silverman, who is Board Certified in Criminal Law in Texas. This recognition is held by a small percentage of criminal defense lawyers and reflects advanced training and testing in this field. We combine that knowledge with years of courtroom experience to guide clients through serious charges and high-stakes decisions.

Call The Law Offices of Jed Silverman at (713) 597-2221 to schedule your consultation today, or get in touch with us online using our easy-to-use online contact form.

Why Choose Our Houston Defense Team

When you are searching for an auto theft lawyer Houston residents can rely on, you do not have time to interview every criminal defense firm in Harris County. You need to know, quickly, who has the background to handle a serious theft allegation and who will take your situation personally. That is where our team focuses its efforts.

Attorney Jed Silverman is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board Certification involves rigorous examination, peer review, and demonstrated experience in complex criminal cases. For someone facing an auto theft accusation, this means your lawyer has proven knowledge of Texas criminal procedure, evidence rules, and felony litigation.

Our attorneys have spent years trying cases in Houston criminal courts. We are familiar with how judges manage dockets, how prosecutors present theft cases, and how a particular courtroom may view issues like prior convictions or probation requests. This local perspective helps us structure negotiations and hearings in a way that reflects real conditions, not theory. We also bring insight into the Texas prison system. This experience allows us to discuss not only the statute that applies, but also what a sentence might look like in practice if a case ever reaches that stage. Our goal is always to work toward outcomes that reduce the risk of incarceration, heavy fines, and long-term damage to your future.

You will not be treated as just another file. We make it a priority to understand your background, your work and family obligations, and the specific facts that led to the charge. Clients work directly with our attorneys, and we strive to keep you informed at each step so that you can make decisions with full information, not guesswork.

Understanding Auto Theft Charges

Texas does not have a single statute that uses the phrase “auto theft,” but vehicles are treated as property under the theft laws. In many cases, the state files a general theft charge based on the value of the vehicle. In other cases, prosecutors may use a charge known as unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, often called UUMV.

These cases can arise from very different situations. Some involve a car reported stolen from a driveway. Others grow out of a borrowed vehicle that was not returned as expected, or a ride in a vehicle that law enforcement later identifies as stolen. There are also cases tied to alleged organized theft operations or multiple vehicles over time.

Charge levels depend on factors such as the vehicle’s value, the type of vehicle, and a person’s criminal history. Higher value vehicles are more likely to lead to felony accusations. Allegations of participation in a group, or of using threats or force, can bring even more serious consequences. Even a charge that starts as a lower-level offense can still create lasting problems if it is not addressed carefully.

Common vehicle-related accusations include:

• Theft of a motor vehicle based on its value as property
• Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle related to driving or operating without consent
• Possession of a vehicle that officers allege is stolen
• Allegations tied to organized theft activity or multiple vehicles

Every situation is unique, and the wording on your charging document may not tell the whole story. Part of our job is to review how the accusation is framed, how the vehicle’s value was calculated, and whether the chosen charge matches what actually occurred. That legal analysis becomes the starting point for building a defense.

What To Do After An Arrest

If you or a family member has just been arrested on an auto theft-related charge, it is easy to feel like events are moving too fast. You may already have paperwork with a court date at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse, and you might be getting calls or questions from other people about what happened. The steps you take now can affect both the case and your options later.

The most important thing is to avoid talking about the facts of the case with the police, alleged victims, or anyone else without legal advice. Statements made in a patrol car, in a holding cell, or on the phone from jail can be used as evidence. It is much harder to correct a statement later than it is to decline to answer until you have counsel.

You should also preserve anything that could help clarify the situation. This might include messages about borrowing a car, records that show where you were at a certain time, or contact information for people who were present. Keeping all of your paperwork together, including bond documents and court settings, helps your lawyer quickly understand the status of the case.

Right after an arrest, it is often helpful to:

• Avoid posting or commenting about the accusation on social media
• Keep copies of any text messages, emails, or notes about vehicle permission
• Follow bond conditions carefully and attend every court setting
• Share details only with your attorney, not with friends or coworkers

Contacting an auto theft attorney Houston defendants trust as early as possible allows that lawyer to help protect your rights in interviews, identification procedures, and initial court hearings. Our team regularly appears in Harris County criminal courts, and we can explain what to expect at each setting and how to prepare. Early guidance can reduce surprises and help you feel more in control.

How We Defend Auto Theft Cases

Every auto theft case is built on a particular story about what happened, who owned the vehicle, and how it came into your possession. Our job is to test that story. We start by listening to your account and reviewing the police reports, then we compare those sources to see where facts are missing or do not match. Many defenses focus on permission or misunderstanding. You may have believed you had consent to use the car, or there may have been unclear communication about when it should be returned. In other situations, identity is the central issue, such as cases built mainly on video footage or brief eyewitness contact. We look closely at how the police identified you, how reliable that process was, and whether any legal rules were violated during stops or searches.

Evidence in these cases can include surveillance video, body camera footage, vehicle registration and title records, GPS or location data, and statements from witnesses. Our attorneys work to obtain and review these materials, then evaluate whether they support the charge the state has chosen or raise a reasonable doubt. We also consider whether the way officers obtained the evidence complied with constitutional requirements.

Not every case goes to trial, and negotiation is a significant part of criminal defense work. Our experience with Harris County prosecutors and judges helps us understand how similar cases have been resolved in the past. We use that knowledge when we discuss options with you, whether that involves seeking a reduction in the charge, exploring alternatives that may limit the long term impact, or preparing for trial when that is the sound choice.

Our trial record plays an important role in this process. Because we are comfortable presenting cases to juries, we can give you realistic advice about the risks and potential benefits of going forward versus accepting a particular offer. We also draw on our understanding of the Texas prison system to explain what different outcomes could mean for your life if a sentence is imposed. Throughout, our focus is to protect your rights and work to reduce the harm that this allegation could cause to your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could I go to jail for auto theft?

Jail or prison time is a real risk in many vehicle theft cases, especially when a felony is alleged. The potential range depends on the value of the vehicle, your record, and the specific charge. We evaluate these factors and work to pursue outcomes that limit or avoid incarceration when possible.

What if I had permission to use the car?

If you had consent or reasonably believed you did, that can be very important. We look for messages, witnesses, and other evidence that support your account. Our attorneys present that information to prosecutors and, when needed, to the court to challenge the claim that a crime occurred.

How quickly can your team start helping me?

Once you contact our office, we can review basic information about your arrest and upcoming court dates and then schedule a consultation. The sooner we are involved, the sooner we can begin helping protect your rights in Harris County courts and guiding you through early decisions about your case.

Will my record make this case worse?

Prior convictions can affect both charging decisions and potential sentences. They may also influence how a prosecutor views offers in plea discussions. We examine your history, explain how it could affect this case, and develop strategies that take those realities into account.

Will I work directly with an attorney?

At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, clients work directly with our attorneys throughout their case. Our team believes that personal attention is essential in criminal defense. We speak with you about your goals, explain each stage in clear language, and keep you updated so you are never left wondering what is happening.

Talk With Our Defense Team Today

An accusation involving a stolen vehicle can threaten your freedom, your record, and your reputation. You do not have to face the criminal justice system on your own. Our criminal defense team is prepared to review your situation, explain the law, and discuss options that fit your circumstances.

At The Law Offices of Jed Silverman, we bring Board Certification in Criminal Law, extensive experience in Houston criminal courts, and a commitment to tailored defense strategies for people accused of vehicle offenses. When you contact us, you can speak with a car theft attorney Houston defendants rely on, who will treat your case with the seriousness it deserves.

To discuss your case in a confidential consultation, call (713) 597-2221 today.