Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

This offense  is a state jail felony.  It occurs whenever a person intentionally or knowingly operates another’s boat, airplane, or motor-propelled vehicle without the effective consent of the owner.

In layman’s terms, going for a “joy-ride” can result in someone being indicted for a felony offense.  The Austin Appellate Court has held that Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UUMV) can be a continuing offense.  A defendant may commit unauthorized use in the county where the vehicle is originally reported stolen as well as in any other county where the defendant uses the car.  That means that any of those counties has jurisdiction over the case.

The word “automobile” is a generic term that includes pickup trucks.