If I bought some electronic equipment from someone that I believe stole them, but I wasn't sure exactly if they were stolen or not, is there anyway I can be held liable in the future if the seller gets caught for theft or robbery?
If I bought some electronic equipment from someone that I believe stole them, but I wasn't sure exactly if they were stolen or not, is there anyway I can be held liable in the future if the seller gets caught for theft or robbery?
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Answer: (1)
This would be referred to as "Receiving Stolen Property", and in many states can be charged with either a Felony or a Misdemeanor depending on the extent of the damages. Basically, you as a buyer can become convicted of this crime if the prosecutor is explicitly able to prove that the goods were in fact stolen, and that you bought or received them knowing it is stolen. You can be imprisoned, fined, and/or be on probation as well as have this on your permanent record. If the stolen property is a low value item and you have no prior criminal record, the consequences shouldn't be as severe, but you will still become prosecuted in either case.
Considering the fact that you weren't sure if it was stolen or not, if there is insufficient evidence proving that one would easily be able to identify the goods as clearly stolen, then you should be okay. However, there have been cases where people in similar cases as you were still convicted.
If you are charged with receiving stolen property, you should consult and hire a Criminal Defense Attorney. A lawyer will be able to help defend your case and either have the charge dismissed all together if there is lacking evidence, or work out a deal with the state in lowering the extent of the legal consequences.
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Posted by Staff Writer on 22 Jan 2010