{"id":373931,"date":"2018-06-27T11:53:33","date_gmt":"2018-06-27T16:53:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-auto-theft-laws.html"},"modified":"2018-06-28T16:37:53","modified_gmt":"2018-06-28T21:37:53","slug":"massachusetts-auto-theft-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-auto-theft-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Auto Theft Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Massachusetts Auto Theft Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The general definition of theft<\/a> is the taking of someone else's property without their permission and with the intent to permanently deprive them of the property. Many states have multiple statutes addressing theft, usually separated by the character or value of the property that's stolen, or the characteristics of the theft victim. In Massachusetts, for example, stealing a motor vehicle or trailer is addressed in its own statute. The statute also addresses knowingly hiding a motor vehicle or trailer thief, which can result in up to ten years in prison, up to two and a half years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both a fine and imprisonment.<\/p>\r\n

Massachusetts Auto Theft Laws: An Overview<\/h2>\r\n

There's no arguing that the best way to find the answer to your legal question is to look up the actual statute that applies. But, when you want a quick and easy answer, reading a statute full of legal jargon can be frustrating. For this reason, it can be helpful to read a summary of the statute free of "legalese." Below you'll find links to relevant statutes as well as a brief overview of auto theft laws in Massachusetts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Massachusetts General Laws, Part IV, Title I, Chapter 266, Section 28<\/a> (Motor Vehicle or Trailer: Theft or Concealment<\/i>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

What's Prohibited?<\/b><\/td>\r\n

The following acts are prohibited under Massachusetts auto theft laws:<\/p>\r\n

Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Violation of Massachusetts auto theft laws can result in:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Up to 15 years in prison;<\/li>\r\n
  • Up to 2.5 years in jail;<\/li>\r\n
  • A fine of up to $15,000; or<\/li>\r\n
  • A combination of imprisonment and a fine.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Related Statute(s)<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Massachusetts General Laws, Part IV, Title I<\/p>\r\n