The Art of Charging Auto Theft Cases
Charging, and subsequently prosecuting, auto theft cases is deceptively difficult. On its face, auto theft cases can look easy. However, there are many pitfalls associated with these cases and most successful prosecution comes from closing arguments. Understanding those arguments is critical when determining what and how to charge auto theft and associated crimes.
Misty Fauth is currently the Assistant Bureau Chief of the Southeast Valley trial bureau at Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Prior to this role, Misty prosecuted auto theft offense and associated crimes from 2008 until February 2020. During her time in the Auto Theft Bureau, Misty was a line attorney, charging attorney, Vehicle Theft Task Force Grant attorney, and Assistant Bureau Chief. Her years of experience have involved everything from complex fraud schemes, viewing executions of search warrants by auto theft detectives, dangerous crimes, and everything in between. Misty’s experience has left her with a deep appreciation of auto theft cases as well as an understanding of the importance the initial charging decision is for successful prosecution.
Jessica has been a prosecutor with Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for three years. For her first two years, she was in the Auto Theft bureau prosecuting and charging a variety of cases involving auto theft. The high volume in the auto theft bureau meant that she was able to quickly gain experience in all areas of auto theft prosecution and, towards the end of her time in auto theft, successfully prosecuted complex and dangerous cases. She is now assigned to the Central Phoenix/South Mountain Trial Group Bureau as one of the Vehicle Theft Task Force Grant Prosecutors.