What happens if stolen property is returned?

What happens if stolen property is returned?

If you return an item that you have stolen, you have a greater chance of a lighter sentence. The court will likely take your act of remorse into account and charge you accordingly. If you simply keep the item, the court will likely stick you with more strict theft punishments.

Is receiving stolen property a felony or misdemeanor in PA?

Receiving Stolen Goods Can Be a Misdemeanor In Pennsylvania, accepting and keeping stolen property may only classify as misdemeanor charges. For instance, if the property involved is worth $50 or less, it’s a third-degree misdemeanor.

What does unlawful use of a vehicle mean?

Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle refers to the use of a motor vehicle for a person’s own purpose without the consent of the owner. The vehicle is used or retained for purposes not consented or authorized by the owner. This amounts to an offense and there are state specific laws on the subject.

What happens if I buy something that was stolen?

Although you will likely not be charged with a crime, if you unknowingly bought stolen goods, you will probably have to return them to the rightful owner. The thief (or thieves) will then owe you the purchase price in restitution.

What is penalty for receiving stolen property in PA?

The penalty for this crime is 2 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines; If the property is greater than $200 but less than $2,000, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree. This carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine; If the property is more than $2,000, it is a felony of the third degree.

Can you go to jail for receiving stolen property?

You can only be convicted with either receiving stolen property under PC 496 or grand or petty theft and not both. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, it carries up to 6 months in jail and a fine of no more than $1000. If the goods taken were valued at $50 or less, you could face only an infraction.

How long can you go to jail for receiving stolen goods?

Jail. Like fines, the length of a jail sentence for possession of stolen goods depends on the value of the property. Sentences range from a few days in jail to several years in a state prison. Sentences can also be increased if you have prior convictions for receipt of stolen property or other crimes.

What happens if you ride in a stolen car?

Riding in a stolen car that you knew was stolen can be enough if you failed to exit the car once you learned it was stolen and continued to derive some benefit from being in it. You also may receive stolen property by deriving benefits from the money that was stolen by another person so long as you knew it was stolen. 3.

Can a person prove they intended to return stolen property?

This defense is dependent on your intent when you received the stolen property. If you can show you intended to return the stolen property to the rightful owner or to the police when you gained possession of the property, then you lacked criminal intent 17.