Atlanta, GA asked in Criminal Law for Georgia

Q: Fiance was convicted of theft by rec stolen property, bought at pawn shop. How can he be convicted when he didnt know

Fiance was convicted of theft by rec stolen property, that he bought at a local pawn shop. How can he be convicted when he didnt know it was stolen? It was purchased from a place of business. He was already on parole for a prior conviction.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Ecleynne Mercy
Ecleynne Mercy
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: He needs to fight the case.

Proof of possession, alone, of recently stolen property, is not sufficient to establish the essential element of the offense of theft by receiving stolen property that the possessor knew or should have known that the property was stolen. West's Ga.Code Ann. § 16-8-7(a)

Smith v. State, 290 Ga. App. 689, 659 S.E.2d 917 (2008)

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.