What Happens if I Purchase Stolen Goods?

October 25, 2021 Posted in Theft

Buying second-hand items is nothing new. Many electronics are expensive at retail price and people would rather seek out used products at an affordable price. There is nothing wrong with purchasing used items, but things get dicey when the product you purchase was obtained by the seller through theft. Often, a stolen item will result in criminal charges. You may be wondering, does the same apply to those who purchase stolen goods? The Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing have you covered with an explanation of what can happen if the product that you purchased second-hand happens to have been stolen.

Most Times People Don’t Know the Item is Stolen

Many times, a person in possession of a stolen item that was purchased second-hand does not know that item had been stolen. It’s likely that you will not be facing any criminal charges in this instance. If you later discover that your device was previously stolen, it would be wise to contact local authorities and explain to them where you purchased the item from. Doing this will avoid potential issues down the line. If you ended up finding out the item was stolen but still keep it, then you’re opening yourself up for a new host of legal issues.

What if I Know the Item is Stolen?

In the state of Arizona, purchasing an item with the knowledge that it had been stolen is an illegal act. If you fail to seek out the original owner or contact local authorities, then you are susceptible to theft offense prosecution. If you’re thinking this criminal offense will only lead to a warning or ticket, think again. Depending on the value of the stolen item, you could be hit with either a misdemeanor or a felony. This is why we suggested contacting local authorities immediately if you discover that the item you purchased second-hand was previously stolen. It’s best to avoid any potential headaches.

Facing Charges and Legal Defense

In the event that you do end up facing charges, you’ll want to link up with a criminal lawyer. A good criminal defense attorney will work with you to ensure that your rights are protected. The Law Offices of Gary L Rohlwing are highly regarded in Arizona. They have handled over 3,500 cases in the Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Goodyear, and Avondale areas along with the rest of Arizona. We specialize in criminal cases, DUI, domestic violence, juvenile cases, felonies, and misdemeanors. It is our mission to keep clients out of jail so that they can be with their families.

With all this in mind, be sure you know what you’re getting into when making a purchase from the second-hand market. If you’re making a purchase online, make sure the website you’re ordering from is reputable. For example, if you’re purchasing an iPhone online, there are websites that run criminal checks on all devices to ensure that they weren’t stolen before selling them. It’s a great way to ensure that you aren’t putting yourself at risk of doing something illegal. It’ll also eliminate the fear of whether or not the product you just purchased had been stolen by the seller.