Getting Busted for Receiving Stolen Property in Jersey? You Need an Attorney, Pronto

First Things First – What the Heck Does “Receiving Stolen Property” Mean?

In simple terms, receiving stolen property means you somehow obtained goods that were stolen by someone else. Maybe you bought them from some shady dude on the street, or maybe a friend gave you a “too good to be true” deal. However it went down, if you end up with stolen stuff in your possession, you could be on the hook for a crime.

There are a couple laws in Jersey that apply here:

• N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7 – Receiving Stolen Property. This covers “knowingly” receiving movable property that’s been stolen. It’s a crime of the third degree if the value is $500 or more.
• N.J.S.A. 2C:20-20 – Theft of Property Lost, Mislaid, or Delivered by Mistake. This covers retaining property you know was lost or delivered by mistake. Also a third degree crime if the value is $500 or more.

See what they did there? If you know or “should have known” something was stolen, you could be criminally liable even if you weren’t the one who took it. Tricky!

What Kind of Charges and Penalties Are We Talking Here?

Like the law says, receiving stolen property worth $500 or more bumps it up to a third degree felony. That can mean 3-5 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. Ouch. If the value is less than $500, it may just be a disorderly persons offense, which is more like a misdemeanor.

But here’s the kicker – if this isn’t your first rodeo, you could be looking at more serious repeat offender charges. Let’s say you already have a theft conviction on your record. Now you get busted receiving those stolen headphones. You just gave the prosecutor a sweet opportunity to file second or third degree “certain persons not to possess weapons” charges against you. Not good at all.

You need someone who knows how to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and negotiate firmly on your behalf. A New Jersey receiving stolen property attorney who isn’t afraid to fight. Keep reading…

Don’t Try to DIY Your Criminal Defense!

Look, you might see some websites out there making it seem like no big deal to go to court without a lawyer. Don’t believe the hype! The prosecutors aren’t just going to drop the charges or let you off easy because you seem like a nice person. Their job is to get convictions and make sure “justice is served.”

You need someone in your corner who knows how to work the system. An experienced receiving stolen property attorney who can advise you on the law, negotiate with the prosecution, and defend you in court if it goes to trial. A good lawyer knows how to:

• Review the evidence and look for illegal searches, faulty police reports, missing chain of custody docs, etc. Anything that casts doubt on the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced charges or pretrial intervention. Things like getting theft charges downgraded to misdemeanor shoplifting.
• Work out a favorable plea deal if you want to avoid trial. This can mean reduced jail time and fines.
• Defend you at trial with motions to suppress evidence, cross examinations of witnesses, and other legal maneuvers.

When your freedom’s on the line, you need someone who knows New Jersey criminal law inside-out. A receiving stolen property attorney who’s been around the block a few times.

Finding the Right Jersey Lawyer for You

Picking the right lawyer is super important, but it ain’t rocket science. Start by looking for someone with deep experience in New Jersey criminal defense law. Check their bio for stuff like:

• Years of practice dealing specifically with theft crimes and related charges.
• Familiarity with local prosecutors and judges.
• Membership in professional groups like the New Jersey State Bar Association, Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, etc.
• Impressive case results getting charges reduced or dismissed.

Also make sure they offer free case evaluations. You’ll want to meet or chat on the phone to go over the details of your situation before hiring them. Take notes on their strategy for fighting your charges, fees, and anything else that’s important to you.

If you don’t feel confident in their experience or the game plan they lay out, keep looking around. You want someone who inspires confidence they can get you the best possible outcome.

How Much Is This Going to Cost Me?

Hiring a private criminal defense attorney isn’t cheap, but it’s a heck of a lot less expensive than losing your freedom! Expect to pay at least $1,000 – $2,000 as a retainer up front, with hourly rates in the $200 – $500 range. Rates vary based on experience, location, and other factors.

The good news is most lawyers offer payment plans to spread out the financial pain. And some of the fee may be recoverable if you win your case. So don’t let money stop you from getting the legal advice you need right now.

Ready to Speak with a New Jersey Receiving Stolen Property Attorney?

If you or someone you care about got jammed up with receiving stolen property charges in New Jersey, this is not the time to go it alone. You need professional legal advice and representation on your side. Don’t leave your fate to chance!

Speak with a qualified receiving stolen property attorney in Jersey today. They have the experience to aggressively defend your rights, steer you clear of serious penalties, and give you the peace of mind you deserve. It’s your best shot at moving forward with your life and putting this mess behind you for good.