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.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

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