Urgent Vehicle Use Concerns

Summary

Unauthorized use of a vehicle in New Mexico can be considered theft, even with general permission and proof of payments. Given the complexity of your situation, including emotional abuse and safety concerns, it is advisable to seek specific legal advice. Taking an Uber, taxi, or Lyft could avoid legal issues, but if uncomfortable, consider local support services or legal counsel.

Full Conversation

It is not a current legal issue, but I want to know if it could be a potential legal issue.
Hello ****, I'd be happy to help outline some potential legal issues. Could you please provide more detail about the situation or circumstances you're referring to? This will help me give you the most relevant information.
I am 21 years old, I have a 1 year old son. I am in an emotionally abusive situation with my family that calls for an urgent move for the safety of my son and I. I want to take their car to the airport because I don't feel safe with a stranger in an uber, taxi or lyft. I don't know anybody here, so there is no friend that could take me. If I were to pay for a * hour pass for the car to stay at the airport for the day to avoid it being impounded and let my parents know the location of the car before I left the state, would that be considered car theft?
In New Mexico, unauthorized use of a vehicle could potentially be considered a criminal offense. However, the situation may be different if you have permission to use the vehicle. Would you have your parent's permission to use the car in this way?
I have permission to use the car in a general sense, I also have proof I've been paying for the car and had intention to pay for the car payment again this month. They would definitely not approve of me using the car to leave them as they have a sense of control over me, and would be angry if I left it at the airport.
In New Mexico, unauthorized use of a vehicle can be considered theft. However, your situation is complex due to:
- General permission to use the car.
- Evidence of payments for the car.
A court would consider these factors. It's advisable to seek specific legal advice for your situation.
Would it be better to just take an uber, then?
Though I can't make decisions for you, taking an Uber, taxi, or Lyft could potentially avoid any legal issues associated with unauthorized use of the car. However, if you're uncomfortable with these options, consider reaching out to local support services or a legal professional for advice.