Steven Wayne Denton, Appellant v. the State of Texas, Appellee

Summary

The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed the conviction for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, holding that the term “operate” under Texas Penal Code §81.07(a) includes the exertion of power or influence over a vehicle, such as starting the engine and revving the accelerator, even if the vehicle does not move. The Court applied a totality‑of‑the‑circumstances test, finding the evidence sufficient to prove operation.