Expert: Robin Sexton - 4/10/2008

Question
My husband was in a car that was stolen, he was not aware that it was stolen he just was getting a ride from a long time friend. They now charged him with unlawful use of a vehicle, however he was not driving the car, he was just in it. SO why would they charge him for that. How do i get this dropped into a fine? he did nothing illegal was just in the wrong car!

Answer
Sandy

I am sorry about your husband's problem.  One of the problems is you don't know what the cops know.  You don't know what your husband's friends told the cops or what other information they may have. I also don't know what your husband told the police. The mere fact that you husband was in the car is probably not enough for a conviction.  Your best course of action at this time is for your husband to discuss this in detail and honestly with his defense counsel. He can also provide information to the prosecution in exchange for dismissal of the charges.  This is something that should only be done with the assistance of competent legal counsel.

Good Luck

Robin