Colorado criminal charge
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Colorado
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is a criminal offense under Colorado law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5. Its classification is not fixed: Colorado assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5.
What is the penalty for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Colorado?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 364 days (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — first offense — Applies to a first violation of the offense as defined in subsection (1).) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — first offense — Applies to a first violation of the offense as defined in subsection (1).) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 |
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 3 years (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — second or subsequent offense — Applies when the violation is a second or subsequent offense under this section.) | presumptive | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Fine | $1,000 to $100,000 (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — second or subsequent offense — Applies when the violation is a second or subsequent offense under this section.) | discretionary | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
| Parole / supervision | 2 years to 2 years (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — second or subsequent offense — Applies when the violation is a second or subsequent offense under this section.; mandatory parole) | mandatory | C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401 |
Applies to offenses on/after 2022-03-01 (SB21-271).
How is unauthorized use of a motor vehicle classified in Colorado?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — first offense | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Applies to a first violation of the offense as defined in subsection (1). | 18-4-409.5(2) |
| Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — second or subsequent offense | Class 5 Felony | Applies when the violation is a second or subsequent offense under this section. | 18-4-409.5(2) |
Common questions about unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Colorado
Is unauthorized use of a motor vehicle a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?
It depends on the circumstances: unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ranges from a Class 1 Misdemeanor to a Class 5 Felony in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5.
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — first offense: Class 1 Misdemeanor (C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5(2)) · Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle — second or subsequent offense: Class 5 Felony (C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5(2))
What are the penalties for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Colorado?
Penalties for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Colorado depend on how it is classified — from a Class 1 Misdemeanor up to a Class 5 Felony — with the ranges set by C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 and C.R.S. § 18-1.3-401; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.
Which Colorado statute covers unauthorized use of a motor vehicle?
Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle is governed by C.R.S. § 18-4-409.5 (Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle - definition).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.