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.