Dealing in Stolen Property

The laws related to dealing in stolen property are intended to punish those who knowingly deal in property stolen by others.  The typical case involves a person who steals and then sells the stolen property to a middleman—the "fence"—who in turn resells the property to a third person.  The dealing in stolen property statute was not designed to punish individuals who steal for personal use; rather, it was designed to breakup the network of individuals who knowingly buy and sell stolen property. The statute punishes both the initial thief and the person who knowingly buys stolen property.

Any person who traffics in, or endeavors to traffic in, property that he or she knows or should know was stolen is guilty of a felony of the second degree.  The elements of trafficking in stolen property are that a person traffics or attempts to traffic in property that he or she knows or should know is stolen.  Interestingly, the law places the burden on the individual to ascertain if the property is stolen.  Accordingly, if you purchase an item at an incredibly discounted price, you can be charged with dealing in stolen, if you should have known, based on the reduced price, that the property was stolen.

Traffic means to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense, or otherwise dispose of property, or to buy, receive, possess, obtain control of, or use property with the intent to sell, transfer, distribute, dispense, or otherwise dispose of such property.

As a felony division prosecutor, Erick Cruz was responsible for the prosecution of dealing in stolen property crimes.  During his time as a prosecutor Erick Cruz was trained on the law related to dealing in stolen property crimes and learned the different investigative techniques used by police to gather evidence.  With this experience, Erick has successfully defended clients accused of dealing in stolen property.  Oftentimes, through persuasion, diligent investigation and skillful defense, he has obtained dismissal of dealing in stolen property charges, reduced charges and reduced sentences.  Also, with Erick’s advice and counsel, he can preserve your ability to seal or expunge your case.

Call Erick to discuss your case with him and find out how to get your case dismissed or charges and sentence reduced and arrest record sealed or expunged.