Dyer Act

• Author: Jeffrey Lehman, Shirelle Phelps

Page 53

The Dyer Act, also called the National Motor Vehicle Theft Act (18 U.S.C.A. § 2311 et seq.), was enacted in 1919 to impede the interstate trafficking of stolen vehicles by organized thieves.

There are three elements that must be established BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT if an accused is to be convicted of the offense: (1) a vehicle is stolen, (2) the defendant knows that the vehicle is stolen, and (3) the defendant transports the vehicle in interstate or foreign commerce. A person who aids and abets in the commission of this offense is equally culpable as a principal...