A. Operating a chop shop consists of a person owning, operating, maintaining, controlling or conducting operations in a chop shop, who knows or should have known that it is a chop shop.

Attorney's Note

Under the New Mexico Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
third degree felonyup to 3 yearsup to $5,000
For details, see N.M. Stat. Ann. § 31-18-15

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Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 30-16D-7

  • Fraud: Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.

B. Whoever commits operating a chop shop is guilty of a third degree felony. C. As used in this section:

(1)     “chop shop” means a premises where a person possesses, receives, stores, disassembles or alters an unlawfully obtained motor vehicle or vehicle as defined in the Motor Vehicle Code [66-1-1 N.M. Stat. Ann.], including the alteration or concealment of any identifying feature or number, including the manufacturer’s serial number, engine number, decal or other distinguishing number or identification mark or

number placed under assignment of the motor vehicle division of the taxation and revenue department; and

(2)     “unlawfully obtained” means obtained by theft, fraud or deceit or obtained without the permission of the owner.

D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a claim made pursuant to any other section of law.