45-6-326. Obscuring identity of machine. (1) A person commits the offense of obscuring the identity of a machine if the person:
(a) removes, defaces, covers, alters, destroys, or otherwise obscures the manufacturer's serial number or any other distinguishing identification number or mark upon any machine, vehicle, electrical device, or firearm with the purpose to conceal, misrepresent, or transfer any machine, vehicle, electrical device, or firearm; or
(b) possesses with the purpose to conceal, misrepresent, or transfer any machine, vehicle, device, or firearm knowing that the serial number or other identification number or mark has been removed or otherwise obscured.
(2) A person convicted of obscuring the identity of a machine shall be fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both.
(3) The fact of possession or transfer of any machine, vehicle, electrical device, or firearm described in subsection (1) creates a presumption that the person knew the serial number or other identification number or mark had been removed or otherwise obscured.
History: En. 94-6-311 by Sec. 1, Ch. 513, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 167, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 94-6-311; amd. Sec. 1674, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Chapter 6. Offenses Against Property
Part 3. Theft and Related Offenses
45-6-302. Theft of lost or mislaid property
45-6-303. Offender's interest in the property
45-6-305. Theft of labor or services or use of property
45-6-306. Obtaining communication services with intent to defraud
45-6-307. Aiding the avoidance of telecommunications charges
45-6-308. Unauthorized use of motor vehicles
45-6-309. Failure to return rented or leased personal property
45-6-310. Definition -- computer use
45-6-311. Unlawful use of a computer
45-6-312. Unauthorized acquisition or transfer of food stamps
45-6-314. Theft by disposal of stolen property
45-6-315. Defrauding creditors
45-6-318. Deceptive business practices
45-6-319. Chain distributor schemes
45-6-320. Theft of nonferrous metal
45-6-321. through 45-6-324 reserved
45-6-326. Obscuring identity of machine
45-6-327. Illegal branding or altering or obscuring of brand
45-6-329. Disposition of property and proceeds of sale
45-6-330. and 45-6-331 reserved
45-6-334. through 45-6-340 reserved