Two men in Jacksonville, Florida were arrested recently on charges of grand theft, according to newser.com. They were not caught stealing cash, jewelry, or any other cliche’ valuables; they were pulled over because they had a large steel utility pole, roughly five car-lengths long, tied to the top of their Kia. The pole had a value of $2,500, categorizing the offense as grand theft of the third degree. The two men alleged that they had simply been moving it out of the way of traffic, but it was discovered that the driver had 75 scrap metal sales on a pawn database this year alone; however, that fact alone would not necessarily mean that this defendant is guilty of the charges. Additionally, any person who would have bought that utility pole off the two men, or helped them traffic it, could also have faced criminal charges. In order to fight unfair criminal allegations, you must work closely with an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney, and remember that it is always necessary to speak with your attorney before speaking to the police.
Dealing in Stolen Property
According to Florida statute 812.019, trafficking, or endeavoring to traffic in, stolen property is a second degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. Initiating, organizing, planning, financing, directing, managing, or supervising the theft of property and trafficking in that stolen property is a first degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. “Trafficking” in stolen property is selling, transferring, distributing, dispensing, or disposing of property that the person knew or should have known was stolen. Additionally, trafficking occurs when the person bought, sold, possessed, received, used, or obtained control of the stolen property with intent to distribute, transfer, sell, dispense, or dispose of that property.
Defense Strategies
There are a variety of defense strategies that we may use if you are facing allegations of dealing in stolen property, such as obtaining proof of purchase or proof of ownership from the other person when you bought an item from them. Red flags, and an argument used by the prosecution, for dealing in stolen merchandise can be obtaining them for a very low price, though that does not necessarily mean that you should have known that they were stolen. An exceptional attorney will be able to successfully use the truth as your defense, and will look at every possible scenario and argument to use.
Call the West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Lawyers of the Skier Law Firm Today
Whether you have been charged with dealing in stolen property or grand theft, you need an experienced, tried, and trusted attorney for your defense. Contact the West Palm Beach law offices of the Skier Law Firm today for legal assistance at once.