Disposing Of Stolen Prop. (Firearm)
Legal Definition
A person commits disposing of stolen property when they knowingly sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of property that they know or have reason to believe has been stolen. When the stolen property is a firearm, the offense carries enhanced penalties. The statute requires proof that the person acted with knowledge of the property's stolen character and that they disposed of it in some manner.
Possible Punishment
Basic sentence of 18 months imprisonment; fine up to $5,000. A mandatory period of parole follows release. Because the stolen property is a firearm, the court may impose enhanced penalties within the fourth-degree felony framework, and federal firearms disabilities may also apply upon conviction.
Local Context
This charge is distinct from receiving or transferring stolen property (§ 30-16-11) in that it focuses on the act of disposing—selling, giving away, or otherwise transferring—rather than initial receipt. The firearm element elevates the seriousness and may trigger additional sentencing considerations. Prosecutors must prove both the stolen nature of the firearm and the defendant's knowledge or reason to know of that fact.
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 (0)
No current inmates booked under § 30-16-11 NMSA.
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.