Understanding the Crime of Receiving Stolen Property and How You Can Fight the Charges

Imagine receiving an expensive present from a friend. You’re taken aback since you assume the pal can’t possibly afford such a wonderful present. In any case, you accept it and carry on with your life. But before long, the police arrive at your house and make an arrest for receiving stolen property. Are they really going to accuse you of this crime?

The most likely response in this particular instance is no. It is illegal in California to knowingly buy, receive, conceal, sell, or withhold from the owner any property that you know has been stolen. However, receiving stolen property is not a crime if you were not aware that the item in question had been stolen.

People Can Be Wrongfully Convicted of Receiving Stolen Property

In many instances, nevertheless, a person may have been found guilty if the circumstances had been somewhat different. You might be charged with receiving stolen items if, for instance, the same gift still bears the security tags and your acquaintance is a well-known shoplifter. This is because the prosecution might argue that you knew the item was probably stolen yet kept it nevertheless, making you a clear fit for the requirements of receiving stolen goods as a crime.

A person can also be charged with receiving stolen property in other ways. For instance, this law makes it illegal to hide stolen property. According to the law, someone would be in violation if they aid someone in concealing stolen items. Similar to this, if someone (such the proprietor of a pawn shop or an eBay seller) sells items that they are aware are stolen, they may be charged with receiving stolen property.

Potential Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property

Depending on the circumstances, receiving stolen items may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If the entire value of the connected property is $950 or less, it must be charged as a misdemeanor, which carries fines and/or jail time of up to $1,000 as well as possible jail time of up to one year. If the value of the property exceeds $950, a felony charge may be filed, carrying a potential sentence of three years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

There Are Defense Options to the Crime

Receiving stolen property is a felony that has numerous potential defenses, including the claims that you didn’t realize the item was stolen or that you already had the item in your possession. One way to demonstrate your ignorance of your possession of something would be if someone secretly stored something at your house. Your criminal defense lawyer could utilize this to support your claim that you had no malicious intent when you possessed the property if you intended to return it to its rightful owner or the police.

The Chambers Law Firm can assist if you have been accused of receiving stolen property or any other felony in California. For a free initial consultation, call us at 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com right now. In order to get the best outcome for your case, we will vigorously defend you.

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