Submitted by Jinker on Tue, 06/21/2011 - 11:05
I took my girlfriend's car several weeks ago without her permission and used it to go to a bar. I returned her car without her ever knowing I had it because I had a key to her apartment and was able to get the key to the car. She was out with her friends at the time. We broke up several days after I took the car and now I'm afraid that she will tell the cops I stole her car that night. I thinks some of her friends were at the bar I went to that night and might tell her I had her car. I don't know if she'll care about this but she's still pretty angry about the split. Is what I did a crime even though I didn't mean to steal the car because I was always going to return it? So is that a crime in Massachusetts?
Joyriding in MA
Yes it is a crime. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 24 prohibits a range of behavior dealing with automobiles, including using a car without the permission of the owner. If your ex files a criminal complaint with the police, and if the prosecutor decides to move forward, the state will have to show beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) that you used the car (even if you were just a passenger in a moving car); (2) the use was without permission of the owner; and (3) you knew you were not permitted to use the car.
It's possible that the whole incident will never get back to your ex. But if it does, and if she tries to press charges, you should probably contact a Massachusetts criminal law attorney.