Receiving / Transfer Stolen Vehicle
Legal Definition
A person commits receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle when they buy, receive, dispose of, sell, transfer, or have in their possession a motor vehicle knowing it has been stolen or appropriated in a manner constituting larceny or embezzlement. The offense requires knowledge that the vehicle was unlawfully taken or that the person had reasonable grounds to believe it was stolen.
Possible Punishment
Basic sentence of 18 months imprisonment and a fine up to $5,000. A mandatory period of parole follows release. The court may also order restitution to the victim for the value of the vehicle or damage caused.
Local Context
This statute is part of New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Code anti-theft provisions. It is distinct from general receiving stolen property (§ 30-16-11 NMSA) and applies specifically to motor vehicles. Prosecution must prove the defendant knew or reasonably should have known the vehicle was stolen; mere possession alone is insufficient without evidence of such knowledge.
Property-Crime Cases in Doña Ana County
Property charges in New Mexico scale with dollar value and circumstances. The same shoplifting conduct can be a petty misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of what was taken, and burglary escalates sharply when the structure is a home or someone is inside. That is why our charge database lists several versions of larceny and burglary with different classifications.
Property cases also drive a large share of repeat bookings: failure to appear on an older larceny case frequently brings someone back into the detention center on a bench warrant alongside any new charge.
Related Guides
Misdemeanor vs. Felony in New Mexico: Sentences, Courts, and Consequences
How New Mexico separates petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and felony degrees: sentence ranges, jail vs. prison, habitual enhancements, and collateral costs.
Bench Warrants and Failure to Appear in New Mexico: How a Missed Court Date Becomes a Booking
What a bench warrant is, how it differs from an arrest warrant, why FTA bookings fill the Doña Ana County jail log, and how to clear a warrant before arrest.
Recent Arrests for This Charge (15)
Albuquerque Man, 43, Booked on Felony Stolen Vehicle and Resisting Charges
RYAN DUNBAR | 3 charges
Mesquite Man, 20, Booked on Multiple Felony Failure to Appear Warrants
LUIS AGUIRRE | 14 charges
Galveston Man, 36, Booked on Stolen Vehicle Charge Near Santa Teresa
HAMO AMOS | 2 charges
Woman, 32, Booked on Felony Charge of Receiving or Transferring a Stolen Vehicle
SARAH PORTILLO | 1 charge
Woman, 43, Charged with Receiving / Transfer Stolen Vehicle in Doña Ana County
SABRINA SMITH | 1 charge
Woman, 32, Charged with Receiving / Transfer Stolen Vehicle in Doña Ana County
CHASITY JOHNSON | 1 charge
Las Cruces Man, 38, Charged with Probation Violation
CHESTER HAMILTON | 4 charges
Chaparral Man, 39, Charged with Receiving / Transfer Stolen Vehicle
HECTOR VEJAR RODRIGUEZ | 1 charge
Las Cruces Man, 23, Booked on Felony Vehicle and Domestic Violence Charges
JAIRO LUNA | 3 charges
Las Cruces Man, 47, Charged with Court Commitment
SERBANDO JAMIE | 2 charges
Jason Martinez, 37, of Las Cruces Booked on Felony Stolen Vehicle, Shoplifting Counts
JASON MARTINEZ | 2 charges
Anthony Man, 22, Booked on Stolen Vehicle, Fugitive and Identity Charges
ISSAC MARTINEZ | 5 charges
Las Cruces Man, 22, Charged in Stolen-Car Crash That Injured Las Cruces Woman
ANGEL TORRES-TOVAR | 4 charges
Victor Pinedo, 39, of Las Cruces, Booked in Bernalillo After Alleged Chase
VICTOR PINEDO | 8 charges
Anthony Man, 21, Booked on Stolen-Vehicle, Probation and Warrant Felonies
JORGE DELGADO | 5 charges
Information provided for general reference. Statutory text is summarized and may not reflect the most recent amendments. All persons listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty.