I bought a stolen Iphone 5c but I didn't know it was stolen?

I bought an Iphone 5c from someone and I didn't know it was stolen, it has no SIM card and i'm stuck at the screen where it says " SIM card required". Is there any possible way to get it unlocked? It has been restored I'd say because it restarted and all it needs is a nano SIM. Also will it work if I get a non contract SIM for it?

Added (1). * I also took it to a cricket store and they put a nano SIM in and a messaged popped up and I couldn't use it after that.

Added (2). * I also took it to a cricket store and they put a nano SIM in and a messaged popped up and I couldn't use it after that.

If you get any Nano SIM, (contracted or not), and pop the SIM card in, it'll work.

However, if you're caught with the phone, you could be charged.

Don't worry about the unlock part. If you can't activate it then unlocking it will be a waste of time. Once you insert the sim attempt to complete the activation process. If you get stuck at the iCloud activation lock, odds are the original owner has locked it down and it's darn near impossible to circumvent that feature. Original owner would have to remove that phone from her/his iCloud account. You can't. Apple store doesn't care. They don't get involved in third party issues. If you do get in the phone see if the IMEI is still valid. Being stolen the serial number has been blacklisted and will never be reactivated in the US ever again. Unlocking is the last thing you need to worry about. Now you know why you got the phone at such a good deal. A least you won't be board. Best luck.