Auto Theft Attorney In Irving

Facing A Vehicle Theft Charge In The Irving Area

If you have been arrested or accused of taking or using a vehicle without permission, you are likely worried about what happens next. A Texas auto theft charge can affect your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities. You do not have to navigate this alone. As the auto theft attorney Irving clients turn to, I help people in this situation understand their options and start taking back control.

My name is Erin Kelley, and I lead Kelley Legal, a criminal defense law firm focused on representing individuals charged with crimes in and around Irving. I know that an arrest can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time in the criminal justice system. My goal is to give you clear, direct information and to stand between you and a system that can move very quickly. I intentionally keep my caseload lower so I can work with clients one-on-one, explain what the state has to prove, and answer questions as the case moves forward. Many of my clients speak Spanish, and I am able to communicate with them directly in Spanish, so there is no need to rely on a translator.

If you or a loved one is facing a vehicle theft allegation, Kelley Legal is here to talk through your situation and your next steps. Contact us online or call (469) 564-3420 today.

Why Hire Me For Auto Theft

Choosing the right lawyer early in an auto theft case can make a real difference in how informed and prepared you feel. I practice criminal defense and regularly work with people charged with serious offenses, including theft-related cases. This means I am familiar with how prosecutors tend to approach these matters and with the types of evidence that can be important.

I decided to keep my caseload limited so I can give each client more time and attention. With a lower number of active files, I am able to sit down with you to go over the police report, court paperwork, and any messages or documents you may have. You are not passed through a long line of people. You work directly with me, and I am the one who explains what is happening at each stage. Many clients in this area speak Spanish at home, and language can become a barrier when they try to understand complex legal issues. I speak Spanish, so you can talk with me in the language you are most comfortable with. You do not have to worry that something important is getting lost in translation. This helps us build a clearer picture of what happened and what matters most to you.

My office is in the same space as two immigration attorneys. They handle immigration matters, and I handle criminal cases, but sharing a workspace means I am continually reminded how closely criminal charges and immigration status can be linked. When I evaluate options in an auto theft case for a non-citizen client, I pay close attention to whether a plea or conviction could carry immigration consequences. I aim to help you avoid choices that look acceptable in the short term but create unexpected risks for your status later.

Understanding Auto Theft Charges

To make good decisions in your case, you need to understand what you have actually been charged with. In Texas, several different offenses can involve a car or truck. Some clients are charged with theft of a motor vehicle. Others face a charge called unauthorized use of a vehicle, which often involves driving or using a car without the owner’s consent, even if there was no plan to keep it.

Whether a charge is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony can depend on several things, including the value of the vehicle and the specific statute the state chooses. Felony theft-related convictions usually bring more serious potential penalties and can have a deeper impact on employment, licensing, and housing. Even a lower-level conviction can leave you with a record that shows up on background checks and can be difficult to explain to a future employer.

In the Irving area, I often see auto theft cases that grow out of everyday situations. Someone may be accused of keeping a borrowed car longer than expected or of driving a vehicle they did not know was reported stolen. Another common situation involves being in the wrong place at the wrong time, such as riding in a car with others that has been taken without permission. These fact patterns can be complex, and the details matter. If you are not a United States citizen, a theft-related conviction can raise additional concerns. Certain theft offenses can be treated more harshly under immigration laws. This is one reason I encourage clients to get advice before talking with law enforcement or agreeing to a plea. Once a plea is entered, it can be difficult to undo, and the long-term effects on both your record and immigration status may be greater than they first appear.

What To Do After An Arrest

After an arrest for auto theft, it can feel like events are moving faster than you can keep up. You may be taken to jail, your car may be towed or held, and officers or investigators may want to ask you questions. In this moment, your choices can affect your case and your options later.

You have the right to remain silent and the right to ask for a lawyer before answering questions about the incident. Exercising these rights does not make you look guilty. It simply protects you from making statements that could be misunderstood or taken out of context. In my experience, many people try to explain themselves, and those explanations sometimes end up being used against them later in court.

Cases that begin with an arrest in Irving are often processed through local law enforcement and then move into courts that serve this area. The exact court and schedule depend on where the alleged offense occurred and how the case is filed. Early settings can involve bail, conditions of release, and initial discussions of the charge. Having a lawyer involved before or during these first appearances helps you understand what is happening and what decisions you are being asked to make.

If you or a family member has just been arrested, these steps can help protect your rights:

• Stay calm and avoid discussing the facts of the case with anyone other than your attorney.
• Let officers know you wish to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation.
• Avoid posting about the situation on social media or texting details that could later be reviewed.
• Ask a trusted person to gather important documents, such as bond papers, court notices, and any messages that relate to the vehicle or the person who owns it.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can, or have a family member call on your behalf.

When you contact Kelley Legal, I speak with you or your loved one about what has happened so far and what we can expect in the coming days. My focus is on giving you clear information so that you are not walking into court unsure of what is on the table. If you prefer to speak in Spanish, we can do that from the first call.

How I Build Your Defense

Every auto theft case is different, and my job is to learn the specific facts of your situation and explain how the law applies. When I represent someone facing a vehicle theft allegation, I start by reviewing the charging documents and police report, as well as any available video, photos, or written statements. I then talk through these materials with you so we can identify where there may be questions or gaps in the story.

In many cases, intent is a key issue. The state often has to show that there was an intent to deprive the owner of their vehicle or that the use was without consent. There may be evidence that you believed you had permission, that you did not know the car was reported stolen, or that you were simply present and not the person who took the vehicle. I look at how the state’s evidence supports or fails to support its version of events. My approach is to consider both the legal strength of the case and the real-world impact on your life. For some clients, avoiding incarceration may be the primary concern. For others, preserving future job opportunities or professional licensing is central. For clients who are not citizens, immigration consequences can be equally or more serious than those in criminal court. Sharing office space with immigration attorneys keeps me mindful that a plea involving a theft offense can trigger a separate immigration review, so I look for ways to address those risks when we evaluate options.

Throughout the case, I work to maintain open communication. I let you know when court dates are scheduled, what will happen at each setting, and what decisions may need to be made. Because I keep a lower caseload, I have the bandwidth to return calls, explain developments, and adjust strategy as new information becomes available. If you would rather discuss your case in Spanish, I am able to do that directly, which can make it easier to ask questions and fully understand your choices.

Talk With An Irving Auto Theft Lawyer

Facing an accusation that you stole or misused a vehicle can feel isolating, but you do not have to face it by yourself. As an auto theft lawyer, Irving residents can reach out to me for guidance. I help clients understand what they are charged with, what the state must prove, and what paths may be available. A conversation with a criminal defense attorney can help you replace guesswork with real information.

When you contact Kelley Legal, you speak with a lawyer who focuses on criminal defense and keeps a smaller caseload to provide more personalized attention. I can meet with you to review your paperwork, talk through what happened, and answer your questions in English or Spanish. If your case began with an arrest in Irving, we will also discuss which court is likely to handle it and what you can expect at upcoming settings.

Reaching out does not obligate you to hire me, and it does not lock you into a specific course of action. It is an opportunity to sit down with a car theft attorney that Irving defendants can talk to openly and get a clearer sense of the road ahead. If you are a family member trying to help someone who is in custody, I can speak with you as well about what steps may come next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for an auto theft charge?

Whether you face jail or prison time depends on the specific charge, your record, and the facts of the case. Some cases resolve without incarceration, while others carry a real risk of time in custody. I review your situation and explain what the possible ranges look like.

What if this is my first criminal charge?

A first charge can still have serious consequences, but courts sometimes consider a clean record when looking at options. The specific outcome depends on the level of the offense and other factors. I walk you through potential paths so you are not making decisions in the dark.

Can I talk with you in Spanish about my case?

Yes. I speak Spanish and regularly work with clients who prefer to communicate in Spanish. You can explain what happened in your own words, and I will explain the charges, the process, and your options without relying on a translator. This helps prevent misunderstandings about important details.

How can an auto theft conviction affect my immigration status?

Some theft-related convictions can create serious immigration problems, especially for non-citizens. The exact impact depends on the charge, sentence, and your current status. Because I share office space with immigration attorneys, I pay close attention to these issues when we evaluate potential resolutions.

What will happen at our first meeting?

At our first meeting, I listen to your story and review any documents you bring, such as complaints or bond paperwork. I explain the charge, the general process, and possible next steps. You will have time to ask questions, so you leave with a clearer understanding of your situation.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call (469) 564-3420.