A Louisiana man is on the run after facing charges of unauthorized use of a motorcycle.  The 25 year old was in a high speed chase with police when he crashed a motorcycle which was reportedly stolen.  The man broke his leg during the crash, yet was able to evade police on foot by running from the ambulance.  To meet Oklahoma standards for a motorcycle, a vehicle must: (1) have a seat for each rider, (2) an engine 150 cubic cm or larger, and (3) have 3 wheels or less.

Unauthorized Use of a Motorcycle Laws

Oklahoma addresses motorcycle unauthorized motorcycle use under 47 O.S. § 4-102.  This gives us a list of elements that the State must prove in order to convict you on these charges.  First, the driver must not be the legal owner of the motorcycle.  This means they are not on the title, nor do they have any other type of legal ownership.

Next, the driver must not permit you to use the motorcycle.  So you must take it without the owner’s knowledge or consent.  This flows into the third element.  You must intend to use the vehicle knowing you do not have permission or consent.  Finally, you have to actually do it.  If you have all three other elements, but do not actually use the motorcycle you cannot face charges.  Once you actually commit the act of using the motorcycle, you are now eligible for charges.

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Unauthorized Use and Legal Consequences

Unauthorized Use of a motorcycle is a felony in Oklahoma.  See 47 O.S. §17-102.  If the charges stick, you face imprisonment from 1 year to 5 years.  Fines will also be part of the sentence.  These range from $500 to $5,000 depending on severity of the crime.  For anyone with a driver’s license under suspension or revocation, the penalties will increase substantially.  For instance, any fine can double.

Let Our Legal Team Help

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