Receiving Stolen Property in PA
It’s easy to be guilty of receiving stolen property without knowing it. Here’s what to do if you’re charged.
Picture this scene. A friend has found a way to get his hands on a state-of-the-art smart TV at a knock down price. Sounds great doesn’t it, it’s a chance to get that TV you’ve been lusting after and save yourself a whole lot of money.
Of course, there’s a little voice in the back of your head which might wonder where it’s come from and if your friend is a trustworthy as you think. Even so, the rest of you shrugs and thinks ‘don’t ask don’t tell’. What you don’t know can’t possibly come back to haunt you, or can it?
Penalties for receiving stolen goods
Unfortunately, for you, Pennsylvanian law does not regard ignorance as a defense. You could be charged with receiving stolen property even if you didn’t know the goods have been stolen. If found guilty, you could be heading for prison. This is why it’s vital to make sure you know where everything you handle has come from.
Under the law, you prosecution only needs to be able to show that you either knew the item was stolen or had reason to believe that it was stolen. So, for example, your friend and his mysteriously cheap TVs should set off warning alarms in your head. Choosing to ignore them, in the eyes of the authorities still means you are guilty.
Penalties for receiving stolen goods
Unfortunately, for you, Pennsylvanian law does not regard ignorance as a defense. You could be charged with receiving stolen property even if you didn’t know the goods have been stolen. If found guilty, you could be heading for prison. This is why it’s vital to make sure you know where everything you handle has come from.
Under the law, you prosecution only needs to be able to show that you either knew the item was stolen or had reason to believe that it was stolen. So, for example, your friend and his mysteriously cheap TVs should set off warning alarms in your head. Choosing to ignore them, in the eyes of the authorities still means you are guilty.
