You Could Be Breaking the Law and Not Even Know It: The Shocking Truth About Receiving Stolen Property in Pennsylvania

Did you know that you could be breaking the law without even realizing it? Receiving stolen property in PA means you knowingly (or even unknowingly) receive, retain, or dispose of someone else’s movable property while having reason to believe it was stolen. The consequences are serious, but don’t panic yet! As a lawyer, I’ve helped many clients navigate this tricky situation, and I’m here to break it all down for you—with some jaw-dropping examples to boot.

What Exactly Is Receiving Stolen Property in PA?

Let’s get to the facts. Under Pennsylvania law, receiving stolen property (RSP) happens when:

1. You receive, keep, or get rid of movable property.
2. You know (or should know) that the property was stolen.

Sounds simple? Not so fast. Imagine this: You’re scrolling through Facebook Marketplace and see a high-end bike listed for $50. You grab it immediately, thinking you scored the deal of the century. Weeks later, the police show up at your door. Turns out, that bike was stolen. Now what? You could be facing charges—yes, really.

My Client’s Nightmare

I’ll never forget one of my clients who bought a used car from a shady seller. The price? Too good to pass up. The deal? Clean title, no issues. Fast forward a few months, and the police impound the car. It was stolen, and my client was now facing felony charges. But don’t worry—with a solid defense, we proved he had no idea the car was stolen, and the charges were dropped. Stories like this remind us how easy it is to end up in hot water.

Shocking Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property

Think it’s no big deal? Think again. Here’s what you could be facing based on the value of the stolen goods:

Property Value

• Under $50: Summary offense, up to 90 days in jail.
• $50 to $200: Second-degree misdemeanor, up to two years in prison.
• $200 to $2,000: First-degree misdemeanor, up to five years in prison.
• Over $2,000: Third-degree felony, up to seven years in prison.

Special Case: Stolen Firearms

Get this—if the stolen item is a firearm, it’s automatically a third-degree felony. That’s right. No matter the value, the penalties are severe.

Real-Life Scare

Imagine paying $1,000 for a stolen smartphone. What you thought was a harmless purchase could now land you behind bars for up to five years. Yikes.

Can They Prove You Knew?

Here’s the kicker: To convict you, prosecutors must prove you knew—or should have known—the item was stolen. They’ll look at:

• Unbelievable Bargains: That too-good-to-be-true deal? It might just be a red flag.
• Sketchy Locations: Picking up goods in a parking lot at midnight? Not a great look.
• Prior Knowledge: Bought from someone with a history of theft? Big problem.

But don’t lose hope. A good lawyer can poke holes in their case by arguing:

• You had no reason to suspect anything shady.
• You did your due diligence.

Powerful Defenses That Could Save You

Think you’re doomed? Think again. Here are some proven defenses:

“I Didn’t Know!”

The classic—and often most effective—defense. If there’s no evidence you knew the item was stolen, the case against you weakens.

Mistaken Identity

Were you in the wrong place at the wrong time? Sometimes, the wrong person gets blamed.

Returning the Goods

While giving back stolen property doesn’t erase the crime, it can show good intentions and help reduce penalties.

Entrapment

If you were tricked by law enforcement, you might have a case for entrapment.

Avoid Trouble: Tips You Need to Know

Want to steer clear of these nightmare scenarios? Follow these tips:

1. Get Receipts: Always ask for proof of purchase.
2. Do Your Research: Verify sellers’ legitimacy.
3. Use Common Sense: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Check Serial Numbers: Especially for high-value items like electronics.

FAQ: Receiving Stolen Property PA

Q1: Can I be charged with receiving stolen property if I didn’t know the item was stolen?

A: To be convicted, the prosecution must prove you knew or had reasonable cause to believe the property was stolen. A lack of knowledge may serve as a defense.

Q2: What should I do if I’m accused of receiving stolen property in Pennsylvania?

A: Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal representation.

Q3: Does the value of the stolen property affect the severity of the charges?

A: Yes. The value of the property determines whether the charge is a summary offense, misdemeanor, or felony.

Q4: How can I avoid unknowingly purchasing stolen goods?

A: Verify the legitimacy of sellers, request receipts, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Q5: Is returning the stolen property enough to avoid charges?

A: Returning the property does not automatically dismiss the charges but may be considered during sentencing.

Q6: Are there any additional penalties for receiving stolen firearms?

A: Yes. Receiving a stolen firearm is always classified as a third-degree felony, irrespective of the firearm’s value.

Don’t Wait—Get Help Now

Receiving stolen property in Pennsylvania is no joke. The penalties can be life-changing, but with the right defense, you can fight back. If you’re facing charges, don’t wait. Call a qualified attorney who knows the ins and outs of Pennsylvania law. Got questions? Reach out today—I’m here to help you protect your future.