Can you get arrested for purchasing a stolen item?
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Can you get arrested for purchasing a stolen item?
We bought a laptop from someone in the neighborhood, then sold it later at a pawnshop. The item was stolen. We want to know if we need to get a lawyer?
Asked on January 30, 2012 under Criminal Law, North Carolina
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It is always conceivable that one can be arrested for purchasing stolen property and later sold at a pawnshop based upon what you have written about. If the item was stolen and was found out to be so at the pawnshop that the item was pawned at, then there is a possibility that you might be the subject of a police investigation.
If you get charged with the crime of possession of a stolen item or theft of an item, I recommend that you consult with a criminal defense attorney.
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