It is unlawful to accept or purchase items from someone who had obtained them illegally. Doing so might make you face severe consequences, such as criminal charges. You might even face additional problems if the prosecutor accuses you of protecting the criminal. Such claims might make you get a severe punishment, which might include a lengthy jail sentence. Therefore, you should consider enlisting the services of a criminal law attorney to fight for you. Their intervention may help you avoid the consequences discussed below.  

The Punishments You Might Face 

Punishments for handling stolen goods vary depending on the state where the crime happened. The sentence you get will also depend on the specific facts about your case. The judge will also consider the value of the items you received when making their judgment. For instance, the state might charge you with a felony if you received valuable items. On the other hand, you may face a misdemeanor offense, and your punishment might be less severe for less valuable items. 

Your punishments might include an order to compensate anyone hurt by your actions. The judge might also ask you to pay fines or serve a probation sentence. In this case, they may also ask that you undergo drug tests and treatments. That said, a jail sentence is perhaps the most severe punishment you could face for this crime. Also, it is important to note that you might get a longer jail sentence or a huge fine if you're a habitual offender. Whatever the case, a lawyer can convince the judge to drop your charges or offer you a lenient judgment. 

Arguments Your Attorney May Raise 

Your legal advisor can raise several defenses to challenge your arrest and prosecution. For instance, they might argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the case. This might be the case if the prosecutor does not prove that the person who gave you the items had obtained them fraudulently. Your lawyer may also claim that you were intoxicated when you received the items. Therefore, you didn't bother asking the owner questions to know the origin of the items. Your attorney can also claim that you could not make informed decisions because you are mentally incapacitated. If required, they can even provide a report from your doctor to support their argument. 

Receiving stolen property is a serious offense that can land you in jail. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you hire a criminal defense attorney to defend you when facing this crime. They will raise different arguments to challenge your arrest. They will then argue your case in court to convince the judge that you are not guilty.

Contact a local attorney service to learn more. 

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