What to do about receiving stolen property from a stranger?
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What to do about receiving stolen property from a stranger?
My husband is being charged with receiving stolen property. We sold a vehicle for $1000 and a car trailor. Neither one of us knew the person we did this deal with. The person signed a receipt with her real name. We had the trailor weighed and was going the next day to get a plate, the BMV was closed so we had to wait. The worst part of it all is the person who we did this transaction with is the one who sent the cops to my house. Lastly, why doesn’t she have any charges for selling the stolen trailor to me? She even told the cops that she met us when she came to get the car and pay us for it.
Asked on July 17, 2012 under Criminal Law, Ohio
Answers:
Kevin Bessant / Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Based upon these circumstances, it may be difficult for the prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your husband received and concealed stolen property based upon his intent. A person has to know that the property in question was indeed stolen, and that they had an intent to conceal or possess the stolen property. This sounds more like a business transaction of second hand property that no one knew was stolen. I would advise your husband to consult a criminal defense attorney in your area immediately to challenge these charges.
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