New York Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Defense Lawyer
In New York, you can be charged with a theft-related crime even if you did not steal anything yourself. If you are in possession of stolen property, and you know the property is stolen, you can be charged with a crime. Possession of stolen property is not an “accessory” crime; you can be charged as a principal, merely for possessing property that someone else took. Depending upon the circumstances, you may be facing anywhere from a misdemeanor to serious felony charges. If you find yourself under investigation or arrested for possession of stolen property, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
If you have been arrested or charged with criminal possession of stolen property, you need an experienced defense lawyer on your team as soon as possible. The criminal defense attorneys at Dupée & Monroe, P.C., will fight for your rights from investigation through plea negotiation and, where appropriate, trial and beyond. We’ll explore all potential defenses and legal means to ensure that you are not deprived of your rights. We fight to make sure the government is held to its high burden of proving its case, and we’ll stand by your side every step of the way.
Definition and Degrees of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property
In New York, the crime of possessing stolen property is governed by New York Penal Law Section 165. Pursuant to the Penal Law, a defendant is guilty of criminal possession of stolen property when the defendant: (a) knowingly possesses (b) stolen property, (c) with intent to (1) benefit himself or a person other than an owner thereof or (2) impede the recovery by an owner thereof.
- Fifth Degree. The base crime of criminal possession of stolen property is a Class A Misdemeanor.
- Fourth Degree. If the value of the stolen property exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000), the defendant can be charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E Felony. Fourth-degree possession of stolen property may also be charged when the property consists of firearms, credit cards, or motor vehicles, or when certain other factors apply.
- Third Degree. If the value of the stolen property exceeds three thousand dollars ($3,000), the defendant may be charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D Felony.
- Second Degree. If the value of the stolen property exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the defendant could be charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree, a Class C Felony.
- First Degree. If the value of the stolen property exceeds one million dollars ($1,000,000), the defendant can be charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, a Class B Felony.
Penalties for Possession of Stolen Property
The penalties for possession of stolen property are extremely severe, similar to the penalties for actively participating in theft. If you are charged with possession of stolen property, talk to a New York defense lawyer immediately to avoid the most serious consequences of a conviction.
The penalties for criminal possession of stolen property in New York are as follows:
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one (1) year in jail.
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree is a Class E Felony, punishable by up to four (4) years in prison.
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree is a Class D Felony, punishable by up to seven (7) years in prison.
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree is a Class C Felony, punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in prison.
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree is a Class B Felony, punishable by up to twenty-five (25) years in prison.
Hudson Valley Stolen Property Defense Lawyers Ready to Protect Your Freedom and Your Future
If you have been arrested and charged with possession of stolen property or other serious crimes under New York state law, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. to speak with a stolen property defense attorney in Goshen. We represent clients charged with possession of stolen property, theft crimes, and other serious offenses in Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley.
