Even if a person was not involved in the theft, they can be charged with possession of stolen property. There are five levels to possession of stolen property, with the lowest being a class A misdemeanor and the highest being a class B felony depending on the circumstances surrounding the stolen property. If you have been charged with possession of stolen property in any degree, call our experienced team of New York criminal attorneys to help you with these charges and make sure the best possible outcome is achieved.
The lowest charge of possession of stolen property applies when a person knowingly possesses stolen property with the intent to benefit themselves or a person other than the rightful owner or to stop the owner from recovering the property. Even though this is the lowest charge, it is still serious, as it is the highest class of misdemeanor and if convicted, can still lead to a jail sentence. The elements named in the statute are that the accused has knowledge of the fact that the property is stolen, and they keep the property intending to benefit themselves. While the prosecutor will try and prove these to the court, our team will use multiple tactics to negotiate an outcome that benefits the accused. We have handled multiple cases for possession of stolen property and have been successful in obtaining positive outcomes for our clients.
If the amount of the stolen property is over $1,000 or consists of a credit or debit card or public benefit card the charge becomes a class E felony. This also applies if the property consists of one or more shotguns, rifles, or firearms, if the property consists of religious vestment, scroll or other property in connection with religious worship. When the amount of the property is above $3,000, the charge becomes a class D felony. This means that you could be facing up to a seven-year sentence, or at the least a lengthy probation sentence. Reach out to our experienced team of New York criminal attorneys now so we can begin working on your case and make sure the best possible outcome is achieved.
The second highest level of possession of stolen property is charged when the amount of the property is over $50,000. This brings the maximum possible sentence to 14 years if convicted. The most serious charge, possession of stolen property in the first degree, applies when the amount of the property exceeds one million dollars. The maximum sentence for this charge can be up to 25 years. If you are facing charges of possession of stolen property, in any degree, call our office now to speak with one of attorneys. With us on your side, we will use all strategies possible to obtain the best possible outcome in court. Our lead attorney began his career as a prosecutor before he became a defense attorney and knows the tactics that they employ. With him and our experienced team of New York criminal attorneys on your side, we’ll do everything we can to handle these charges for you.