Perth’s Award-Winning Motor Vehicle & Car Theft Lawyer

A dedicated team of criminal defense lawyers with proven experience handling motor vehicle & car theft across WA’s Magistrates, District, and Supreme Courts

Award winning (3)

Award-winning team

Clear, practical advice
tailored to your case

Strategic preparation
and attention to detail

Strong representation
in and out of court

Work with one of Perth’s
most highly awarded defence law firms

Dealing with a Motor Vehicle Theft Charge in Western Australia?

Being charged with motor vehicle theft or car theft is a serious legal matter that can affect your criminal record, your liberty, and your future, and the consequences can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the alleged offence. The Kate King Legal team can help if you have been charged with motor vehicle theft, ensuring your case is presented as strongly as possible at every stage of the process.

Offences We Specialise In

  • Motor Vehicle Theft

  • Car Theft (Stealing a Motor Vehicle)

  • Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle

  • Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle

  • Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft

  • Tampering with a Motor Vehicle

Charged with Motor Vehicle Theft in Western Australia?

Motor vehicle theft is treated seriously under Western Australian law and can result in a criminal record, fines, or imprisonment, with penalties varying depending on the circumstances of the alleged offence. If you have been charged with stealing or being involved with a stolen motor vehicle, Kate King Legal’s experienced criminal lawyers in Perth are ready to provide expert legal advice and strong representation.

Types of Motor Vehicle Theft Offences Under WA Law

Motor vehicle theft offences in Western Australia are governed by the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act 1913 (WA). The offence covers a range of conduct relating to stolen vehicles. Relevant charges include:

  • Stealing a Motor Vehicle
  • Unlawful Use of a Motor Vehicle
  • Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
  • Aggravated Vehicle Theft
  • Conspiracy to Steal a Motor Vehicle

The charge you face will depend on the nature of the alleged conduct, whether you were the principal offender or alleged to have assisted, and whether any aggravating circumstances apply.

What Penalties Could You Face?

Motor vehicle theft carries significant maximum penalties under WA law, with the severity depending on the nature of the conduct and whether any aggravating factors are present, such as the value of the vehicle or any prior offending. Courts will consider the circumstances of the offence, any damage or harm caused, and your personal circumstances when determining sentence. A conviction will also result in a criminal record and may affect your employment and ability to obtain certain licences or clearances.

Your Defence Options

A motor vehicle theft charge requires the prosecution to prove that you took or used the vehicle without the owner’s consent, or knew or suspected it to be stolen. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a number of defences may be available, including disputing that you took or used the vehicle, establishing that you had a genuine belief of lawful authority, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence as to your involvement. At Kate King Legal, we take a rigorous, evidence-led approach to every case: scrutinising the evidence, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and building the most effective defence available on your behalf.

Speak to The #1 Motor Vehicle Theft Lawyer in Perth

If you have been charged with motor vehicle theft in Western Australia, Kate King Legal is ready to help. Our experienced criminal defence lawyers will assess your case, advise you on your options honestly, and represent you effectively.

Call (08) 9467 3333 or complete the enquiry form below.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged with Criminal Offence?

If you are the subject of a criminal offence, we recommend you make no comment to the police other than providing your name, date of birth, and address, until you have obtained advice from a criminal lawyer. Here are the steps we’d recommend:

How Kate King Legal Can Help

At Kate King Legal, we understand that facing a criminal charge is one of the most stressful and serious situations a person can experience – particularly where the outcome will have a lasting impact on your record, your career, and your future. We also recognise that these matters require careful, thorough, and considered legal advice at every stage.

Our experienced lawyers work closely with each client to assess the evidence and build a strong, tailored defence strategy specific to the facts of their case. We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome and supporting our clients through every step of the process.

Why Choose Kate King Legal

Our team brings skill, discretion, and experience to every case

The Team You Can Trust

We’re a team of driven legal advocates focused on achieving the best outcomes for our clients

Testimonials from the WA Community

A results-driven firm, we work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome possible

Our Legal Services

Proven criminal law specialists delivering clear advice, strategic defence, and strong results across WA courts

We are sure you have lots of questions

At Kate King Legal, we believe in transparency. Here are answers to our most frequently asked questions so you can get started.

The age of consent is 16 years, increasing to 18 years when the accused is in a position of authority over the young person.

Penalties range from 7-20 years imprisonment depending on the specific offence, plus mandatory sex offender registration and ongoing restrictions.

Yes, with proper legal representation, many defences including false allegations, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence can result in acquittal.

Contact an experienced criminal lawyer immediately. Never speak to police without legal representation, as anything you say can be used against you.

Child sex offence trials involve special procedures for child witnesses, complex digital evidence, and require experienced legal representation to navigate effectively.

Yes, even allegations can impact employment, particularly in education, childcare, or positions involving children. A conviction results in permanent employment restrictions.

Legal News & Insights

Legal insights, updates, and practical tips from the team at Kate King Legal—helping you stay informed across a range of legal matters