{"id":372777,"date":"2016-09-30T14:41:26","date_gmt":"2016-09-30T19:41:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-motor-vehicle-theft.html"},"modified":"2018-01-18T15:59:58","modified_gmt":"2018-01-18T20:59:58","slug":"georgia-motor-vehicle-theft","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/georgia-law\/georgia-motor-vehicle-theft.html","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Motor Vehicle Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Georgia Motor Vehicle Theft Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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According to FBI estimates from 2012, the cost of vehicle thefts in the U.S. topped $4.3 billion<\/a>. With these losses, it’s no surprise that states have been focusing on vehicle theft, and Georgia is no exception. Georgia’s law enforcement authorities have been collaborating with federal authorities<\/a> and using vehicle tracking devices, for example, to target one of the big drivers of motor vehicle theft — the "chop shop<\/a> " industry.<\/p>\n

When it comes to Georgia’s motor vehicle theft laws, there are a number of criminal charges that can apply in any case. Beyond Georgia’s general theft laws, a defendant could also be charged with carjacking<\/a>, joyriding, entering a motor vehicle with the intent to commit a crime, and operating a chop shop. There are unique elements to each crime and they can involve rather stiff criminal penalties, especially if multiple charges apply in a case.<\/p>\n

Georgia Motor Vehicle Theft Laws At A Glance<\/h2>\n

The chart below contains more information on specific motor vehicle theft laws in Georgia.<\/p>\n\n
Statutes<\/b><\/td>\n
Penalties and Sentences<\/b><\/td>\n

Hijacking a Motor Vehicle<\/i><\/b>: This is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines<\/p>\n

Joyriding\/Criminal Trespass<\/i><\/b>: This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.<\/p>\n

Theft By Taking\/Receiving Stolen Property<\/i><\/b>: This can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the motor vehicle. If under $5,000, then it is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines. If between $5,000 and $24,999, it is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. If $25,000 or higher, it is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.<\/p>\n

Entering Vehicle With Intent To Commit a Theft or Felony<\/i><\/b>: This is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.<\/p>\n

Owning\/Operating Chop Shops<\/i><\/b>: This is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Defenses<\/b><\/td>\n

Defenses to motor vehicle theft laws include:<\/p>\n