The old adage “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” holds particular weight when purchasing items at suspiciously low prices. Many individuals find themselves in legal trouble for unknowingly receiving stolen goods.
When facing theft crime charges, understanding the surrounding laws and defenses is crucial.
Beware of items you buy or accept
Receiving stolen property is a crime. You can face charges if you knowingly receive, dispose of or retain stolen items. Penalties for felony charges can include:
- Value over $25,000: Two to 20 years in prison.
- Value between $5,000 and $25,000: Up to 10 years in jail.
- Value between $1,500 and $5,000: One to five years in prison.
- Value under $1,500: Considered a misdemeanor, with up to 12 months in county jail and a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000.
The law may consider you guilty of receiving stolen items if you buy stolen goods from a thief or a fence, accept stolen property as a gift or loan, fail to report stolen items found in your possession or participate in a scheme to sell or distribute stolen goods.
The prosecution must prove that you knew or should have known someone stole the items. This knowledge element is crucial in building a defense strategy.
Defending yourself from accusations and protecting your future
If facing charges, you have defenses available. You can argue that you did not know someone stole the item and did not intend to deprive its rightful owner. In some cases, you can also use entrapment or duress as defenses.
How well these potential defenses work may vary based on the unique details of your particular case. Enlisting the experience of a criminal defense attorney in Georgia could be your first step toward defending your rights and freedom.