If someone buys, sells, receives, or hides stolen goods, they might face harsh legal consequences. According to criminal law, receiving stolen goods is a felony, and states have equivalent statutes on the books. It is possible to be found guilty of receiving stolen goods even if you were unaware it was stolen. The law treats all of these violations extremely severely, including helping someone conceal stolen items, purchasing stolen things, and selling stolen products online or offline.
What Constitutes a Crime in the Case of Receiving Stolen Property?
To convict a defendant, prosecutors in these instances must show two things. Before bringing charges, the prosecution must prove that the defendant has benefited from the property that was wrongfully taken from another. Prosecutors must also show that the defendant was aware of the theft or extortion of the property at the time of the offence. For receiving stolen property, you need to be specific there.
For purposes of this definition, goods obtained by robbery or burglary and other forms of theft, such as embezzlement, shall be referred to simply as “stolen.” Extortion is a common tactic used in situations like these. Eviction indicates that someone else’s property was taken with their permission. Still, the consent was obtained by force or by inducing fear.
Also crucial to note, obtaining property indicates the defendant has acquired custody and control of it. A single individual doesn’t need to be the sole owner of the property. Possession does not require actual control of the object by the accused. If the defendants were aware that the item had been stolen, they would be found guilty. Of this, the prosecution must make a case.
What Legal Defenses Are Available in These Cases?
For persons accused of receiving stolen goods, there are several possible defenses. Being unaware that the goods they acquired were stolen is one of the most powerful factors. The defendant cannot be convicted if they are unaware that the goods they received were stolen. For this reason, it is always a good strategy for the defence to use.
Receiving Stolen Property: What Penalties Are Applicable?
Depending on the property’s overall worth, this sort of conduct might be a misdemeanor or felony. For a misdemeanor, the property’s total worth must not exceed $950. More than that, it will be considered felonious. Those convicted of a misdemeanor face a year in county prison and a year of criminal probation. In addition, they risk the punishment of up to $1,000.
Conclusion: Seek the Advice of an Experienced Attorney
Those who have been accused of receiving stolen goods are presumably nervous about the result of their legal proceedings. To effectively defend yourself against such allegations, you need to speak with a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours.
Having a lawyer on your side may help you understand what’s going on in your case, what to anticipate, and how to defend yourself effectively. High-quality defence lawyers can make the case against their clients more difficult for the prosecution to build. It’s critical to receive aid as soon as possible in these circumstances.
