Catalytic converter thefts have become increasingly common – and increasingly violent. In 2023, an off-duty Harris County deputy was fatally shot when he confronted the men who were allegedly stealing his truck’s catalytic converter. Last year, an actor best known for his role in the soap opera General Hospital was also shot to death in Los Angeles in the same scenario.
It’s not surprising that states are strengthening laws around catalytic converter theft. Last year, Texas enacted a law that increases the penalties for theft and for possession of a stolen converter. The law is named after the slain Harris County deputy.
What does the law do?
The new law makes catalytic converter theft a state jail felony. The potential prison term depends on the value of the catalytic converter in question. For those worth under $30,000, the prison term can be up to two years. That term can increase based on the value of the stolen converter. Further, catalytic converter theft can now be prosecuted as a type of organized crime, depending on the case.
The value of catalytic converters, which are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system, depends on what kind of metal they’re made from. They’re typically platinum, rhodium or palladium. Their age and condition also play a role in their value.
The law also makes unauthorized possession of a catalytic converter a crime. It also strengthens record-keeping requirements for those who sell and install them. This can shrink the market for stolen converters.
In addition to the harsher penalties around catalytic converter theft, it’s crucial to remember that if something goes wrong and someone is injured or killed, as in the cases noted, the consequences can be far more serious.
It can be all too easy to unintentionally get caught up in a catalytic converter theft or to watch a theft end in injury or death. That’s why it’s crucial to get individualized legal guidance as soon as possible to protect your rights and present your case.