Philadelphia Receiving Stolen Property Lawyer
Discovering that the property you purchased was stolen can be a frightening experience. This scenario can be even more stressful if you are facing criminal charges for possessing that stolen property. The penalties for this crime can be amplified depending on the value of the items found in a defendant’s position. If you or a family member was arrested for the reception of stolen property, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia receiving stolen property lawyer.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long is prepared to help you mount a defense against the serious offense of receiving stolen property. Criminal defense lawyer Lloyd Long possesses several years of experience litigating a wide variety of criminal cases, and he will use that knowledge to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, call the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
Pennsylvania’s Reception of Stolen Property Laws
In Pennsylvania, a defendant is guilty of receiving stolen property if they intentionally obtain or dispose of an item that was stolen. Even if the defendant does not know that the property was stolen, if they believe that it may have been stolen, that is enough to be charged with this offense.
There is an exception to Pennsylvania’s reception of stolen property laws. If the defendant acquires the stolen property of another person, but they intend to return that property to its owner, they are not guilty of this crime.
It is important to note that it is difficult to prove that a defendant knew that the property they received was stolen. That is why the State of Pennsylvania does not have to prove that the defendant stole the property personally. The prosecutor must only show that the defendant knew or believed that the property rightfully belonged to another person.
To learn more about how the reception of stolen property laws works in Pennsylvania, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney.
Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property
If a defendant is convicted of receiving stolen property, the penalties will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime. For example, if you are found to be in possession of a stolen gun and the prosecutor can prove that you purchased the gun or planned to sell the gun, you can be convicted of a first degree felony.
In Pennsylvania, the penalty for a first degree felony is up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in criminal fines. Additionally, if you receive stolen property that is worth at least $500,000, this is also considered a first degree felony.
The reception of stolen property is a second degree felony if the defendant is arrested while in possession of a stolen firearm. Also, the defendant does not have to be engaged in the buying and selling of firearms in order to be charged with a second degree felony for receiving stolen property. The penalties for a second degree felony in Pennsylvania is up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
If a defendant is arrested while in possession of stolen property that is worth more than $2,000, they can be charged with a third degree felony. In Pennsylvania, third degree felonies are punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in criminal fines.
Receiving stolen property can also be charged as a first degree misdemeanor if a defendant is arrested with property that is worth between $2,000 and $200. A misdemeanor of the first degree is punishable by up to five years in prison and a criminal fine of $10,000.
If you are arrested for reception of stolen property, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Speaking with law enforcement before consulting with an attorney could have a serious impact on your case. An experienced attorney can help you can listen to the circumstances of your case and help you craft a defense. Additionally, if you are a first-time offender, you may be in a better position to negotiate with a prosecutor.
Our Criminal Defense Attorney is Prepared to Represent You
If you or a family member was charged with a crime for possessing stolen property, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia reception of stolen property attorney. The legal team at the Law Offices of Lloyd Long are ready to provide you with the unique legal defense that you deserve. Our firm is proud to work with our clients to learn every detail of their case in order to develop a defense that works for your case. To schedule a free consultation, call the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
