If you have been accused of receiving stolen property, you are being accused of a theft offense. It is important that you take steps to defend yourself by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney. Even if the property that you received was stolen in a robbery, that does not mean you are guilty. You must have had actual knowledge that the property you received was indeed stolen.
For example, if, say, Janet, has been given an iPod, now in her possession, by a friend who earlier robbed a home, she is not necessarily guilty of theft. She must need to know that the property was stolen in the first place. If, say, Doug’s friend picks him up in a stolen car, but Doug has no knowledge that the car was stolen, he is not necessarily guilty of theft, but he may be charged with theft anyway, simply because he was in the car.
Below is the actual Pennsylvania law governing stolen property.
Statute 3925. Receiving stolen property
A. Offense Defined: A person is guilty of theft if he intentionally receives, retains, or disposes of movable property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it has probably been stolen, unless the property is received, retained, or disposed with intent to restore it to the owner.
B. Definition: As used in this section the word “receiving” means acquiring possession, control or title, or lending on the security of the property.
Contact an Attorney Who Fights for the Accused – Delaware County, PA
W. Wayne Punshon, Attorney at Law, has been defending the rights of people accused of theft, including receiving stolen property, and other crimes for more than 30 years. Exercise your rights to defend yourself to the full extent of the law. Talk to an attorney who can help.
Learn more about how I can protect your rights in a free initial consultation. Please email or call my office at 610-565-8412 to arrange for your appointment.
