Accused of Possessing Stolen Property in Pittsburgh?
Contact a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer Today!
The law treats those who possess or receive property they know to be stolen similar to those who actually perform the act of theft in the first place. This means you could be facing serious penalties if you are convicted, even if you never actually performed the theft in the first place. This makes a skilled Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney pivotal to protecting you from the harshness of the justice system.
Attorney Melvin L. Vatz of the Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz has served residents of Pittsburgh since 1976. His extensive experience representing those who are faced with criminal charges have made him a skilled cross-examiner who can use the evidence in your case to poke holes in the prosecution, protect you from the penalties, and clear your name and reputation. Attorney Vatz has received an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review rating from Martindale-Hubbell® for his ethical standards and legal acumen.
For a free consultation for your charges, call The Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz today at 412-391-3030.
Knowing the Property Was Stolen
It is against the law to receive stolen property, whether you purchase it for remuneration, receive it as a gift, or take control of it on behalf of someone else. However, if you are unaware that the property was stolen and you are willing to return it to its rightful owner, then no crime has been committed.
Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property
As stated previously, receiving stolen property is penalized similarly to actually stealing the property in the first place. Depending on the value of the property stolen, Pennsylvania penalizes this crime as low as a misdemeanor of the third degree to as high as a third-degree felony.
Penalties for receiving stolen property can include:
- Large fines
- Jail time
- Permanent criminal record
- Possible loss of rights
- Victim damages
Repeat offenders or those who steal certain types of property, such as weapons, livestock, or emergency services equipment, may be subject to enhanced penalties.
Don’t leave your case up to chance; contact The Law Office of Melvin L. Vatz and let us help you today!!