2.81 Receipt or Sale of a Stolen Motor Vehicle or Aircraft / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2313 is a federal crime that occurs when a person knowingly receives or sells a motor vehicle or aircraft that has been stolen. This crime covers a wide range of activities, from transporting a stolen vehicle to selling it to a third party. It is a felony offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 per count. There are two types of 2.81 Receipt or Sale of a Stolen Motor Vehicle or Aircraft / 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2313 offenses: a “receipt” offense and a “sale” offense. The “receipt” offense occurs when someone receives a stolen motor vehicle or aircraft, knowing it has been stolen, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the vehicle or aircraft. To be charged with the “receipt” offense, the accused must have actually received the stolen vehicle or aircraft, and not just transported it. The “sale” offense occurs when someone knowingly sells, exchanges, or disposes of a stolen motor vehicle or aircraft. To be charged with the “sale” offense, the accused must have actually sold, exchanged, or disposed of the stolen vehicle or aircraft, and not just transported it. In either offense, the accused must have had knowledge that the vehicle or aircraft was stolen. If they can prove that they did not have such knowledge, they may be acquitted of the charge.