Buying valuable goods secondhand can open people up to many different issues, including criminal charges. People purchasing items through social media marketplaces or resale websites can potentially save money, especially when buying high-value items in used condition.
However, they may become part of a criminal network by purchasing stolen goods. Designer handbags, name-brand sneakers and electronics are among the items that people may steal and then attempt to resell on the secondhand market for profit.
The buyers of those items are potentially at risk of prosecution, even though they may not have actually participated in the theft of those assets.
Possessing stolen property is a crime
Florida state law doesn’t just penalize the act of taking property that belongs to a person or business. It is also a crime to knowingly possess stolen goods.
Prosecutors can charge those who purchase stolen goods from thieves with dealing in stolen property. The state may be able to justify bringing charges against the buyer of the stolen merchandise — particularly in cases where a reasonable person might recognize that the item was stolen from someone else.
In fact, the charges the defendant faces could potentially be more serious than any allegations brought against the thief. Some theft offenses are misdemeanors when the property value is low enough, but dealing in stolen property is typically either a second-degree or first-degree felony offense.
A defendant accused of dealing in stolen property could face serious penalties if they plead guilty instead of fighting their charges. Having experienced legal guidance can help those accused of possessing stolen goods plan a reasonable defense strategy.