RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY
What happens when you are charged with receiving stolen property in Pennsylvania?
You have a friend who came across a great deal on an expensive item: that new TV or laptop you have waited so long for could finally be yours. You jump at the chance to save yourself a lot of money, even though the deal seems too good to be true. The item is so much less than retail price that you suspect it may have been stolen. But, you didn’t ask, and they didn’t tell, so there was no way to know for sure. You can’t possibly be guilty of a crime. Or could you?
In Pennsylvania, you can be found guilty of receiving stolen property, even if you were not completely aware the item was stolen. In fact, theft crimes, and receiving stolen property in particular, are some of the most frequently charged criminal offenses in Pennsylvania courts.
Theft is a very serious crime in Pennsylvania and if found guilty, you could find yourself serving jail time and paying hefty fines.
But a theft charge is not a conviction.
At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we know that good people make mistakes in this material world where it is increasingly easier to commit theft. We also know that many times people accused of crimes are simply not guilty. We will fight aggressively for your rights and your freedom.
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THEFT CHARGES DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE GUILTY
OR THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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PROVING GUILT IN RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY CRIMES
In order to be found guilty of receiving stolen property, the prosecution must prove that you:
- Received, retained or discarded property that rightfully belonged to another;
- Knew the property had been stolen OR had reason to suspect the property was stolen;
- Had no intention of returning the item to its rightful owner.
To KNOW that the item was stolen, one can actually be knowledgeable that the item was stolen OR simply have a reason to suspect that the item MAY have been stolen.
The prosecution does not need to prove that you were completely certain as to the property’s origins. If you had reason to believe that the property could be a stolen item, then it satisfies the knowledge requirement.
Much of your case will hinge on this one fact: whether or not you knew, or had reason to believe, the property was stolen. This is where an experienced criminal attorney can be of the utmost importance.
Our Pittsburgh Theft Lawyers will do everything possible to combat your charges and fight for your rights. We will make a thorough investigation and use our legal expertise to try to get your charges dropped or dismissed.
Call or text David J. Shrager now at 412-969-2540 for a free consultation.
_________________________________________________________
THEFT CHARGES DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE GUILTY
OR THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
____________________________________________________________
THEFT PENALTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA
The level of your charges will depend in large part on the value of the item in question. The higher the value of the stolen property, the greater the charges you will face.
- If the property is less than $50, it is a misdemeanor of the third degree. The penalty is up to one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines;
- If the property is greater than $50 but less than $200, it is a misdemeanor of the second degree. The penalty for this crime is 2 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines;
- If the property is greater than $200 but less than $2,000, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree. This carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine;
- If the property is more than $2,000, it is a felony of the third degree. These penalties are severe and include imprisonment up to 7 years and fines up to $15,000.
That item you though you would save money on could end up costing you more than five times its value, not to mention your freedom and your good name.
A skilled theft defense attorney can immediately begin sorting and collecting evidence to protect your rights and try to have the charges cleared.
A Theft Attorney Who Will Fight for Your Rights
If you have been arrested under theft charges for receiving stolen property, or think you may be under investigation, call David Shrager today for a free consultation.
Talk to a compassionate attorney who will try to understand your situation and then help you understand your rights. Attorney Shrager will do everything possible to attack your charges and fight for your rights.
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FREE Legal Consultation
Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation.
Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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