ANSWERS: 1
  • Snowmobiles are popular recreational vehicles and as such, are subject to being stolen. For the purpose of legislation, snowmobiles are classified as motor vehicles and the penalties are the same as if you had stolen and sold a car.

    Variance

    Penalties for stealing snowmobiles vary from state to state and are covered under general theft provisions or motor vehicle theft. If covered under general theft, the penalties determined based on the value of the vehicle stolen. Theft of a vehicle is always a felony and subsequently selling it falls under selling stolen property laws.

    Sentences

    Sentences for snowmobile theft can range from one to 15 years in prison in Utah, if the snowmobile is worth $5,000 or more, to six to 18 months in prison in the state of Ohio, regardless of its worth.

    Selling

    Selling stolen property falls under the statutes that deal with receiving stolen property. In Ohio the sentencing is specific to the crime of selling stolen property, and is a fourth degree felony punishable by six to 18 months in prison. In Utah it is treated the same as theft and would carry a sentence of one to 15 years in prison.

    Incidental

    It should be noted that conviction of any felony, deprives you of your right to vote, in some states virtually permanently. A felony conviction can prohibit you from holding public office in states that require candidates to be registered voters, if it is a state that also restricts a felon's voting rights. It can also adversely affect employment, licenses and and your right to bear arms.

    Miscellaneous

    In Ohio, in addition to the prison sentence, you must also pay any towing and storage fees that accrued as a result of the theft of the snowmobile.

    Source:

    Ohio Laws and Rules: Penalties and Sentencing

    Ohio Laws and Rules: Theft and Fraud

    Utah State Legislature: Utah Code

    More Information:

    Ohio Laws and Rules: Receiving Stolen Property

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