C.G.S. § 53a-119b — Using a Motor Vehicle or Vessel Without Permission; Interfering or Tampering With a Motor Vehicle

This law covers two broad situations: (1) driving/using someone else’s car or a boat without their permission (often called “joyriding”), and (2) starting, damaging, or removing parts from a car without the owner’s permission. A first offense is a Class A misdemeanor; any subsequent offense is a Class D felony.

Prosecutors can charge you under this statute if they claim you:

1. Used a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission, or
2. Used a vessel (boat) without the owner’s permission, or
3. Interfered/tampered with a motor vehicle, which includes:
   • Starting the engine of a standing vehicle without permission, or
   • Intentionally damaging the vehicle or removing/damaging its parts.

• First offense: Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail, fines, probation).
• Each subsequent offense: Class D felony (up to 5 years prison, higher fines, probation).

Note: Prior convictions that enhance penalties are usually handled in a separate “Part B” information after a guilty verdict on the new case.

• Borrowing without asking: You take a roommate’s car for “a quick errand” and get stopped before returning it.
• Key left in ignition: You hop into a running car outside a store and drive it around the block.
• Tampering: You start a parked car to “test it,” or remove a catalytic converter or stereo components.
• Boats: You take a neighbor’s jet ski out “for a spin” without clear permission.

• Permission / reasonable belief of permission: Texts, prior usage patterns, or mixed messages can create reasonable doubt about consent.
• Identity / attribution: Video angle, lighting, or partial plate may not prove who actually used or started the vehicle.
• No “tampering” intent: Hands on a door handle ≠ starting the engine or damaging/removing parts.
• Value & damage disputes: If parts were never removed or damage is unproven, the “tampering” element can fail.
• Suppression issues: Stops, searches, and identifications must meet constitutional standards.

For many first-time, low-risk clients, Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) can be a practical route to dismissal and erasure. We prepare a tight mitigation packet (employment proof, restitution for any damage, counseling if appropriate) and argue risk-reduction and accountability. The judge decides after hearing from the prosecutor and any listed victim; successful completion ends with dismissal and erasure. (Eligibility and terms are case-specific.)

• Larceny (degrees based on value): §§ 53a-122 (1st), 53a-123 (2nd), 53a-124 (3rd), 53a-125 (4th), 53a-125a (5th), 53a-125b (6th)
• Criminal Mischief (property damage): §§ 53a-115 (1st), 53a-116 (2nd), 53a-117 (3rd), 53a-117a (4th)
• Burglary (entering a building/garage to access a vehicle): §§ 53a-101 (1st), 53a-102 (2nd), 53a-103 (3rd)
• Criminal Trespass (lesser unauthorized entry): §§ 53a-107 (1st), 53a-108 (2nd), 53a-109 (3rd)
• Manufacture or Possession of Burglar’s Tools: § 53a-106
• Interfering with an Officer: § 53a-167a

1) Joyride: Teen takes neighbor’s SUV at night without asking; stopped by police 20 minutes later.

2) Engine start: Person starts a parked BMW to move it off a driveway “as a joke.” Owner didn’t consent.

3) Parts removal: Two people jack up a car and cut off the catalytic converter.

4) Mixed messages: Coworker regularly “borrows” the company van; boss later calls police after a dispute. Prior texts/emails suggest implied permission—often leads to a reduction or dismissal with restitution.

5) Mistaken identity: Security footage shows a similar jacket/hat, but timestamps and phone location data show the client was elsewhere; case dismissed.

• Don’t make statements about permission or intent—let your lawyer speak.
• Preserve evidence: Texts, DMs, prior usage history, key access, surveillance clips.
• Insurance/repairs: If damage is alleged, document estimates and repairs for mitigation.
• Call early: Fast, organized presentation can mean diversion or a straight dismissal.

Charged under C.G.S. § 53a-119b or being investigated? Call 203-357-5555 to Speak with Attorney Allan Freidman or reach us through our Contact Page for a confidential strategy session. For a broader overview of the arraignment, bond, and case process, see our Criminal Defense Home Page.