Selling a stolen vehicle is not just a state crime. It can also trigger serious federal charges. Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue cases involving stolen cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles when interstate activity or organized theft is involved. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and permanent felony records. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you or a loved one is being charged of a federal crime.
The Federal Law Governing the Sale of Stolen Vehicles
18 USC 2313 is the primary federal that sets for the crime of selling a stolen vehicle. Per this law, you are guilty of an offense if you:
- Sell,
- Receive,
- Possess,
- Conceal,
- Store, or
- Dispose of
a motor vehicle or aircraft that you know to be stolen and that has crossed state or international lines.
Closely related statutes prosecutors often use in these cases include:
- 18 USC 2312 (The Dyer Act) – Transportation of stolen vehicles across state lines,
- 18 USC 2321 – Trafficking in vehicles or parts with altered or removed VINs, and
- 18 USC 371 – Conspiracy to commit federal crimes.
What the Government Must Prove
To secure a conviction of selling a stolen vehicle under federal law, prosecutors generally must prove:
- The vehicle was stolen,
- You sold or attempted to sell the vehicle,
- You knew the vehicle was stolen, and
- The vehicle crossed state or international borders.
Knowledge is often the most contested element. Federal cases frequently rely on circumstantial evidence, informants, text messages, payment records, or VIN alterations to establish intent.
What are the Penalties?
Federal penalties for selling a stolen vehicle are severe and may include:
- Up to 10 years in federal prison per count,
- Substantial fines,
- Asset forfeiture, including money and vehicles, and
- Supervised release following incarceration.
Sentencing may be increased if your offense involved multiple vehicles, prior convictions, organized crime, or VIN tampering.
Common Defense Strategies
Every case is different, but common defenses in these cases may include your criminal defense attorney showing:
- Lack of knowledge that the vehicle was stolen,
- No interstate nexus, undermining federal jurisdiction,
- Unlawful search or seizure, which is a violation of your constitutional rights, and
- Mistaken identity or reliance on false informants.
Early intervention by an experienced federal criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in how a case is charged – or whether it is charged at all.
Contact Black & Askerov for Help
While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a charge selling a stolen vehicle, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various criminal charges under federal law. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!
* Main image at top by freepik.
