Possession Of Stolen Property

Possession of Stolen Property

Being in possession of stolen property is a serious charge. Depending upon the amount or value of the goods in question, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony charges. While you might feel like you’re in the clear, because, after all, you didn’t steal the property, you can still get charged and potentially convicted of possession of stolen property. If you’re facing possession of stolen property charges in Jackson, it’s essential to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to get the ball rolling on your case. It’s also possible to face additional charges related to the initial theft, robbery or burglary of the item or items in question.




Possession of Stolen Property in Jackson

Being in possession of stolen property can get you arrested in Jackson. It’s important to understand that two key elements have to be satisfied in order to be convicted of possession of stolen property. First, the property must have been stolen. It could have been taken by theft, burglary, robbery or fraud. In other words, it was unlawfully taken from its rightful owner. Second, the person in possession of the stolen property must have known that it was stolen.

Receiving Stolen Property

Even if that person was explicitly informed of the property’s origin, it may come down to whether or not a reasonable person would have known it was stolen or not. If you truly had no idea the property was stolen, you shouldn’t be convicted. No matter what charges you’re facing, the sooner you get in contact with a criminal defense lawyer, the better. Listed below are the two elements of a possession of stolen property crime.

Elements of a Possession of Stolen Property Crime

  • The property must have been stolen.
  • The person in possession of the stolen property must have known it was stolen.

What Would a Reasonable Person Have Thought?

If nobody told you explicitly that a piece of property was stolen, but you should have known based on the circumstances of your particular case, you may be in danger of a conviction. If you receive a “hot” gun or some other item through non-traditional channels and for much less than market or even used resale value, it should raise an alarm or red flag. Essentially, if you receive or purchase property that seems “hot” or that a reasonable person would know or have reason to suspect is stolen, you can get charged with possession of stolen property. Pleading ignorance may not be possible, if a reasonable person would have had reason to doubt the legitimacy of a particular piece of property.

Penalties Associated With Possession of Stolen Property

Depending upon the individual circumstances of your unique case, you could be facing misdemeanor charges which could hold the penalty of up to one year in jail and fines, or your could be facing more serious felony charges, higher fines and up to five years in a prison, or longer. The type and value of stolen property involved in your case will determine the potential penalties you’re facing if convicted.

The Right to Remain Silent

If you’ve been arrested and charged with possession of stolen property, remember to exercise your right to remain silent. It’s not just something they say in movies, and it can make a huge difference in the potential outcome of your case. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that only a guilty person would ask for a lawyer or decline to answer any questions until his or her lawyer is present. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s your right. Exercise it.

Jackson Possession of Stolen Property Lawyer

A charge of possession of stolen property is nothing to take lightly. If you’ve been arrested, remember to exercise your right to remain silent. Politely ask for your lawyer and wait until he or she is present before you being any interviews or interrogations with law enforcement officers. A possession of stolen property conviction can follow you around and make getting a job, obtaining a loan and other everyday life necessities very difficult, even after your have fulfilled your debt to society. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better chance you have at a favorable outcome in your case.

If you have been arrested for possession of stolen property or if a loved one has been charged with possession of stolen property in or around the Jackson Metro Area, contact the skilled and proven criminal defense team at Coxwell & Associates, PLLC at (601) 265-7766 for an immediate case consultation today.

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