What is the main requirement for a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle?

The main requirement for a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle is that the individual must know or believe that the vehicle is stolen. This element is critical because possession alone is not sufficient to establish guilt; there must be an awareness or reasonable suspicion regarding the vehicle's stolen status.

For example, if someone acquires a vehicle under circumstances that clearly indicate it is stolen (such as a significantly below-market price without documentation), their belief about the vehicle's status can lead to a possession charge. Understanding that an individual must have either knowledge or belief about the vehicle's stolen nature ensures that individuals do not face criminal charges unfairly if they genuinely believed the vehicle was legally obtained.

Knowledge or belief serves as a mental state that complements the act of possession, reinforcing the principle that liability for possession of stolen property requires more than just having the property.