Being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle is a serious matter in South Carolina.
Being charged with possession of a stolen vehicle is a serious matter in South Carolina. Whether you knowingly possessed a stolen car—or had no idea it was stolen—the consequences can be life-altering. A conviction can mean prison time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record.
At the Chambers Law, we aggressively defend clients accused of auto theft-related crimes, including those charged under South Carolina Code § 16-21-80, which addresses the unlawful receiving, concealing, possessing, selling, or disposing of stolen vehicles.
If you’ve been charged, don’t wait! Call 843-449-0420 today for a free consultation.
What is Possession of a Stolen Vehicle?
According to Section 16-21-80 of the South Carolina Code, it is illegal to knowingly receive, possess, conceal, sell, or dispose of a stolen vehicle. The law applies whether you stole the vehicle yourself or simply had it in your possession after the fact. The key elements prosecutors must prove are:
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The vehicle was stolen
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You were in possession or control of the vehicle
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You knew or had reason to believe it was stolen
Key Factors in a Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Case
We carefully examine all aspects of your case, including:
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Whether you knew the vehicle was stolen
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How and when the vehicle came into your possession
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The presence of false titles, VIN tampering, or altered documentation
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Any evidence of intent to sell, hide, or dispose of the vehicle
Penalties Under South Carolina Law
Penalties for possession of a stolen vehicle depend on the value of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the case. Under South Carolina law, potential penalties include:
Vehicle valued under $2,000:
- Misdemeanor
- Up to 30 days in jail and fines
Vehicle valued between $2,000 and $10,000:
- Felony
- Up to 5 years in prison and fines
Vehicle valued over $10,000:
- Felony
- Up to 10 years in prison and fines
Additional charges may apply if the vehicle was used in connection with another offense, such as drug possession, reckless driving, or evading law enforcement. These factors can significantly increase the potential penalties.
Common Defenses to Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
To secure a conviction under Section 16-21-80, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knew the vehicle was stolen. At Chambers Law, we build a strong defense by exposing the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include:
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Lack of Knowledge – You were unaware the vehicle was stolen.
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Mistaken Identity – You were wrongfully identified or falsely accused.
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Improper Police Procedure – Your rights were violated during a stop, search, or arrest.
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Insufficient Evidence – The state’s evidence doesn’t prove knowledge or intent.
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Duress or Coercion – You were forced to take possession of the vehicle under threat or manipulation.
How Chambers Law Can Help
We take every possession of a stolen vehicle charge seriously. Our legal team works to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your future by:
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Investigating the full circumstances surrounding your arrest
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Reviewing all evidence, including documents, surveillance, and police reports
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Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges, PTI, or dismissal
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Challenging every element of the case in court, especially intent and knowledge
