Passionately Fighting
For Those Charged With a Crime
Help When Charged For Receiving Stolen Goods
Protecting Your Rights in Texas
When many of our clients are asked about what constitute the criminal act of theft, they respond that theft is the criminal act of taking something and not paying for it. Although taking an item and items without first paying for the merchandise is the most common form of theft, there is another type of theft that receives less attention.
The theft crime is called receiving stolen goods.
As with every other type of theft crime in Texas, the charge of receiving stolen property is a serious charge that requires your immediate focused attention. The ramifications of being handed down a conviction for receiving stolen property can include a lengthy prison sentence, as well as a hefty fine. In addition, a felony conviction for receiving stolen property will become a permanent blemish on your record that will hurt your job and housing prospects.
If you are facing the criminal charge of receiving stolen goods, you need to work with a Texas licensed criminal defense lawyer who understands how to use the most effective defense to get you exonerated of all criminal charges. Mr. Capetillo works hard to exonerate his clients of all charges stemming from a receiving stolen property indictment.
Receiving Stolen Goods is Part of Texas Theft Law
Texas Penal Code Section 31.03 defines theft “as the unlawful appropriation of property with intent to deprive the owner of property.” Considered a crime of theft, receiving stolen goods has four elements that must be proved by the prosecution. First, the prosecution team must prove the defendant received the items in question. The items in question must have been stolen and the person charged with receiving the items must have known the items were stolen. Finally, the defendant who received the stolen items must have intended to deprive the owner of the stolen goods.
The penalty for receiving stolen goods in Texas depends on the price of the stolen items. Prison sentences can be issued for defendants that received stolen goods valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Another consideration for handing down a penalty for receiving stolen goods is the criminal record of the defendant. If you have one or more prior convictions, especially if at least one of the convictions resulted in a felony, then being convicted for receiving stolen goods may land you with an enhanced sentence.
Defenses for a Receiving Stolen Goods Charge
Criminal defense attorney Adam Capetillo has several possible defense options for his clients that are charged with receiving stolen property. Mr. Capetillo will determine whether you knew the property you received was stolen.
Here are some other defenses for a receiving stolen property charge:
Lack of Evidence
Merely possessing allegedly stolen property is not enough evidence to convict a client of criminal charges. The prosecution must possess physical evidence that demonstrates you willingly received stolen goods. We will work hard to undermine any of the evidence presented by the prosecution team.
You Own the Property
If you can prove you own the items allegedly stolen and handed over to you, we can use the defense that ownership means you are innocent of all charges. We will need to present physical evidence of ownership, such as a sales receipt or a bill of sale.
You Had No Idea
We have worked receiving stolen goods cases that involved a client having stolen items in his possession, without the client knowing the goods were stored somewhere on his or her property. This defense requires a detailed investigation, which includes one or more interviews with the person suspected of hiding the stolen goods on your property.
Facing a criminal charge such as receiving stolen goods can trigger an incredible amount of stress and anxiety. Ease your angst by getting in touch with highly reviewed criminal defense attorney Adam Capetillo.
Schedule a free initial consultation with Mr. Capetillo by calling our law office at (346) 249-5544 or by submitting the contact form found on our law firm’s website.