Article 165 Vehicle-Related Property Offenses | Penal Law 165.08
New York Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the First Degree Lawyer
Unauthorized use of a vehicle in the first degree is the highest unauthorized-use charge and may involve more serious allegations about the use, condition, or handling of the vehicle. Early defense review can be important where prosecutors are deciding between unauthorized-use, larceny, reckless-driving, or other vehicle-related charges.
Lebedin Kofman LLP represents clients in New York theft, larceny, stolen-property, fraud, and vehicle-related property cases. The firm focuses on early intervention, charge analysis, evidence review, and defense strategy designed to protect the client from both criminal penalties and long-term collateral consequences.
Call 646-663-4430 or contact the firm for a confidential consultation.
What prosecutors may focus on
- vehicle condition or damage
- use of the vehicle
- driver identity
- consent
- location data
- accident or property damage allegations
- statements and body-worn camera footage
Defense issues in these cases
- challenging whether the facts satisfy the first-degree theory
- reviewing accident, damage, and recovery evidence
- contesting identity and consent
- coordinating with related DWI, reckless driving, or larceny allegations when present
In theft and property cases, small factual differences can change the charge, the potential punishment, and the best defense path. The value of property, whether the client knew property was stolen, whether there was consent, and whether the matter is really a civil dispute can all become central issues.
Early defense work may include contacting prosecutors before indictment, preserving video or digital records, reviewing police body-camera footage, analyzing receipts or account records, preparing for grand jury issues, and building a record for dismissal, reduction, acquittal, or a carefully negotiated resolution.
Related defense pages
Frequently asked questions
Can unauthorized use overlap with other vehicle crimes?
Yes. The same incident may lead to allegations involving larceny, reckless driving, leaving the scene, DWI, or property damage.
What should be reviewed early?
Vehicle records, location data, owner communications, body-camera footage, stop evidence, and any accident or damage documentation should be reviewed early.
Contact Lebedin Kofman LLP
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for a theft, larceny, stolen-property, or related charge, speak with counsel as early as possible. Call 646-663-4430 or contact Lebedin Kofman LLP.