Chop Shop | Vehicle Code § 10801

Description

A Chop Shop is a place where a person knowingly alters, takes apart or stores a stolen vehicle or vehicle parts for the purpose of selling or disposing of it, or hiding its identity. It is not necessary to be the owner for Chop Shop charges to apply, only that you know the vehicle was obtained by theft or fraud. Examples of activities that could warrant a charge of Chop Shop (Operating or Owning) are having in your possession numerous change of vehicle ownership documents or you steal a car and take it to your garage to dismantle it.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

1. Defendant owned or operated a chop shop.
2. Defendant knowingly and intentionally operated said shop.

Punishment

Felony: 2years/3years/4years
With probation 0-364 days
Misdemeanor: 0-364 days

 

Can this be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor (“wobbler”)?	Yes
Is this charge a strike?	Yes
Is this charge a “serious felony”	Yes
Is this charge a “violent felony”	Yes
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?	Yes
Do I have to register as a drug offender if convicted?	Yes
Do I lose my right to own or possess a firearm if convicted?	Yes
Do I lose my right to vote if convicted?	Yes
Am I eligible for a local sentence (PC § 1170(h)) if convicted?	Yes
Am I eligible for PC § 1000 drug diversion if convicted?	Yes
Am I eligible for Prop. 36 drug diversion if convicted?	Yes
Am I required to give a DNA sample if convicted?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “crime of moral turpitude” for immigration purposes?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “aggravated felony” for immigration purposes?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “controlled substance violation” for immigration purposes?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “domestic violence” for immigration purposes?	Yes
Is this charge considered a “firearm conviction” for immigration purposes?	Yes