Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

vehicle tampering

my son and his wife are separated. She has the car, he has the title and is making payments on the car. He gets his kids on the weekend at a visitation center. She had some items that he was returning to her (with her knowledge) and he did not want to leave them outside in the snow so he put them in the car. (that he is paying for) and 911 was called and now he has a citation for vehicle tampering. How serious is this? He has a court date. Honestly, his wife is very vindictive and is trying her best to bring him trouble.


Asked on 3/06/08, 1:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: vehicle tampering

The charge can be very serious even as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If convicted, the record will remain indefinitely and can affect a person's employability.

There must be some "intent" to commit the offense charge. As as result, it would seem that a VERY strong defense exists.

For a consultation call 612.240.8005. I have included the statute below.

609.546 MOTOR VEHICLE TAMPERING.

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor who intentionally:

(1) rides in or on a motor vehicle knowing that the vehicle was taken and is being driven by another without the owner's permission; or

(2) tampers with or enters into or on a motor vehicle without the owner's permission.

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Answered on 3/06/08, 2:14 pm


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