Auto Theft

Auto Theft Auto Theft Over the last decade, our policy and resources have been focused, quite appropriately, on reducing violent crimes, sex offenses, and drug dealing. The original Sentencing Reform Act passed by the 1981 Legislature, placed auto theft at the bottom of the seriousness level list, with a rank of I and a standard range of 0 to 60 days. What has changed over the last 20 years is both the value of automobiles, and the prevalence of …

…stealing them. Elevating the crime from a C to a B felony, and from a seriousness level I to a II, plus double counting priors for adult offenders would put the proper value on today's auto theft crime. Instead of seven convictions before prison, it would be three for adult offenders. Instead of five convictions before a JRA commitment, it would be three for juveniles. This is the best and most applicable solution. Word Count: 866