{"id":6625,"date":"2024-11-07T23:14:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T23:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/?p=6625"},"modified":"2025-07-06T14:38:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T14:38:46","slug":"receiving-stolen-property-massachusetts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/receiving-stolen-property-massachusetts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"6625\" class=\"elementor elementor-6625\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29af673d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"29af673d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-20ed889 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"20ed889\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/receiving-stolen-property-1.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-7123\" alt=\"Man in ski mask holding stolen jewelry.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/receiving-stolen-property-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/receiving-stolen-property-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/receiving-stolen-property-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/affordlaw.org\/staging\/2465\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/receiving-stolen-property-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a0f534 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8a0f534\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, the crime of receiving stolen property occurs when a person knowingly receives, possesses, conceals, or purchases property that they know, or have reason to know, has been stolen. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew the property was stolen and intended to keep it or dispose of it unlawfully. This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen property. If the value exceeds $1,200, it&#8217;s a felony; if below, it&#8217;s a misdemeanor. Penalties include fines, jail time, or both, depending on the severity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-549ae09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"549ae09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/9N574w8wm4E?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f63fd7c elementor-widget elementor-widget-boomdevs-toc-widget\" data-id=\"f63fd7c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"boomdevs-toc-widget.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        \n            \n            <div class=\"fit_content\">\n                <div class=\"bd_toc_container\" data-fixedWidth=\"\">\n                    <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper\" data-wrapperPadding=\"48px\">\n                        <div class=\"bd_toc_wrapper_item\">\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_header active\" data-headerPadding=\"2px\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_header_title\">\n                                    Table of Contents                                <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_switcher_hide_show_icon\">\n                                    <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"bd_toc_content list-type-number\">\n                                <div class=\"bd_toc_content_list \">\n                                    <div class='bd_toc_content_list_item'>    <ul>\n      <li class=\"first\">\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-elements-of-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Elements of Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-are-the-penalties-for-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts\">What Are the Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#is-receiving-stolen-property-a-felony-in-massachusetts\">Is Receiving Stolen Property a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-happens-if-someone-steals-something-and-gives-it-to-you-in-massachusetts\">What Happens If Someone Steals Something and Gives It to You in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-does-receiving-stolen-property-mean-in-massachusetts\">What Does \u201cReceiving Stolen Property\u201d Mean in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#how-do-you-describe-stolen-property-in-massachusetts\">How Do You Describe Stolen Property in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-does-it-mean-to-receive-property-in-massachusetts\">What Does It Mean to \u201cReceive Property\u201d in Massachusetts?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#what-if-i-didn-t-know-the-property-was-stolen\">What If I Didn\u2019t Know the Property Was Stolen?<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#common-defenses-for-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts\">Common Defenses for Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li>\n        <a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n      <li class=\"last\">\n        <a href=\"#see-how-affordable-we-are\">See How Affordable We Are<\/a>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/div>                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"layout_toggle_button\">\n                        <span class=\"bd_toc_arrow\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n    \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-366273b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"366273b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-elements-of-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_1\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Elements of Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-87461cd elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"87461cd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/B9Up6e42Rsk?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b5085d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b5085d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266, Section 60 governs the crime of receiving stolen property. To convict you, the prosecution must prove three elements beyond a <strong>reasonable doubt<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true,\"start\":1} --><\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" start=\"1\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That the property in question was stolen,<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you knew it was stolen, and<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>That you knowingly possessed, bought or concealed the property.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The prosecution doesn&#8217;t need to prove you were involved in the <strong>taking of property<\/strong>; it&#8217;s sufficient that you possessed it under suspicious circumstances.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e325237 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e325237\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-are-the-penalties-for-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_2\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Are the Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a24bfed elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"a24bfed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/SCToLBU-Jsw?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7c388fa elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7c388fa\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The penalties for this offense depend on the <strong>value of the stolen property<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Property valued over $1,200<\/strong>: A <strong>felony charge<\/strong> punishable by up to five years in <strong>state prison<\/strong> or two and a half years in a <strong>house of correction<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Property valued at $1,200 or less<\/strong>: A <strong>misdemeanor<\/strong> punishable by up to one year in a <strong>county jail<\/strong> and fines.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>These penalties increase for a <strong>subsequent offense<\/strong>, where past <strong>larceny convictions<\/strong> may enhance the charges. The penalties can also vary depending on other factors, such as whether the property in question was a <strong>stolen motor vehicle<\/strong> or involved in <strong>credit card fraud<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07433fe elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"07433fe\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='is-receiving-stolen-property-a-felony-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_3\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Is Receiving Stolen Property a Felony in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e586738 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"e586738\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/_HCZGHdeuwU?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abcec04 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"abcec04\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>As mentioned, receiving stolen property becomes a <strong>felony offense<\/strong> if the value of the property exceeds $1,200. <strong>Felony charges<\/strong> carry harsher penalties, including longer <strong>jail time<\/strong> and larger fines. Felonies also have long-term consequences, such as a permanent <strong>criminal record<\/strong> that can affect employment and housing opportunities.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In contrast, receiving property valued at $1,200 or less is a <strong>misdemeanor<\/strong> charge. This is important because felony convictions can carry life-altering implications, while misdemeanor convictions are less severe, though still serious.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0087063 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0087063\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-happens-if-someone-steals-something-and-gives-it-to-you-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_4\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Happens If Someone Steals Something and Gives It to You in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2955b4d elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2955b4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/w030uIxz2FE?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e80aedb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e80aedb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>If someone steals an item and gives it to you, even if you didn&#8217;t steal the property in the first place, you can still <a href=\"https:\/\/www.affordlaw.org\/massachusetts-criminal-law-process\/\">face criminal charges in Massachusetts<\/a> if you accepted the item knowing, or having reason to believe, it was stolen. For instance, buying goods from pawn shops at suspiciously low prices or receiving items under shady circumstances can lead to charges.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>You may not be convicted if you can prove that you had no <strong>actual knowledge<\/strong> of the item&#8217;s status as stolen. <strong>Direct evidence<\/strong> of your knowledge, such as emails or a text message, might be used to demonstrate your awareness.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1896a9f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1896a9f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-does-receiving-stolen-property-mean-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_5\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Does \u201cReceiving Stolen Property\u201d Mean in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5358813 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5358813\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/doq8YwLCcVs?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2a938d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c2a938d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Under Massachusetts law, <strong>receiving stolen property<\/strong> means obtaining goods that you knew, or reasonably should have known, were stolen. This can occur in several ways: buying an item at a suspiciously low price, accepting goods without knowing their origin, or attempting to conceal the item. The crime also includes <strong>concealment of property<\/strong>, meaning you took steps to hide or move the item to prevent its return to the rightful owner.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Even if you didn\u2019t directly buy the stolen item, helping someone hide or transport stolen goods can also result in charges of receiving stolen property. The law covers a wide range of <strong>distinct acts of buying, concealing, or moving<\/strong> stolen goods.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b0c4d23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"b0c4d23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='how-do-you-describe-stolen-property-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_6\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Do You Describe Stolen Property in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-371f1e9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"371f1e9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/qtozEP_P6Yw?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27a3811 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"27a3811\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In Massachusetts, stolen property is described as any item taken without the rightful owner&#8217;s permission. This could range from cars and electronics to more unusual items, like sensitive information or <strong>credit card data<\/strong>. The law also covers the <strong>concealment of money<\/strong> obtained under <strong>false pretense<\/strong>, meaning funds gained through fraud or deceit.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Describing stolen property also involves proving its <strong>property value<\/strong>, which is crucial for determining whether the crime is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. The facts of the case and the value of the property at the time of the crime are key factors in the legal process.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddc1def elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ddc1def\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-does-it-mean-to-receive-property-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_7\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Does It Mean to \u201cReceive Property\u201d in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-196bdaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"196bdaf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/jCXD_bWa3e0?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-58a97b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"58a97b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In legal terms, to \u201creceive property\u201d means to gain possession or control of it, whether through purchase, gift, or any other means. The critical factor is whether you accepted the property under suspicious circumstances that would lead a <strong>reasonable person<\/strong> to believe it was stolen. Simply holding onto something on behalf of someone else could result in <strong>criminal prosecution<\/strong> if the property turns out to be stolen.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The <strong>time of receipt<\/strong> is important as well. For instance, if you received the property in the ordinary course of trade without reason to suspect it was stolen, you may have a valid defense.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dbef8a3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"dbef8a3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='what-if-i-didn-t-know-the-property-was-stolen'  id=\"boomdevs_8\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What If I Didn\u2019t Know the Property Was Stolen?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b901e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"2b901e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/9ahg0HRoZzY?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f2b2f95 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f2b2f95\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Lack of knowledge is a common defense in receiving stolen property cases. If you genuinely didn&#8217;t know the item was stolen, you might avoid a <strong>guilty verdict<\/strong>. However, Massachusetts courts may still hold you responsible if a <strong>reasonable person<\/strong> in your situation would have suspected the property was stolen. For instance, buying something on the street without asking any questions about its origin could weaken this defense.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>The prosecution may use circumstantial evidence to argue that you should have known the goods were stolen. This makes it important to build a strong defense, especially if the situation was unclear at the time you received the goods.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6d7856 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a6d7856\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='common-defenses-for-receiving-stolen-property-in-massachusetts'  id=\"boomdevs_9\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Common Defenses for Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d10245c elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"d10245c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/4YGQt8DNEck?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0cf9e36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0cf9e36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are several defenses that can help if you&#8217;re facing charges for receiving stolen property. These include:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Lack of Knowledge<\/strong>: Arguing that you had no idea the property was stolen and were not suspicious of its origin.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Ownership Dispute<\/strong>: In cases where ownership is unclear, you might argue that you believed you were the rightful owner or had a legitimate claim to the item.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Mistaken Identity<\/strong>: If there\u2019s confusion about who possessed the property, this could serve as a valid defense, especially in cases involving shared spaces or multiple parties.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Understanding the potential consequences of a conviction is essential. Penalties range from <strong>jail time<\/strong> to significant fines, depending on the value of the property and whether it\u2019s your first offense.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e6d4d60 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e6d4d60\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='conclusion'  id=\"boomdevs_10\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5802974 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"5802974\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/5Ohz4mC4IyQ?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-308cf3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"308cf3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Facing charges of receiving stolen property in Massachusetts can have serious legal implications. The state takes property crimes seriously, and penalties can include <strong>state prison<\/strong>, heavy fines, and a <strong>criminal conviction<\/strong> that can follow you for life. However, with a solid understanding of the legal process and a strong defense, it&#8217;s possible to navigate the complexities of Massachusetts law.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re involved in a property charge, it&#8217;s important to consider your options and understand the full range of potential consequences. Being well-informed about your rights and defenses can make all the difference in building a strong case.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbae78f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fbae78f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 id='see-how-affordable-we-are'  id=\"boomdevs_11\" class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">See How Affordable We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4ead41e elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"4ead41e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/AEmIP8eEDII?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15fe094 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"15fe094\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div id=\"calculatorexpress_com-calculator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Loading...<\/div>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/apps-js\/scripts_embed.js\"><\/script>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n\tvar embed = '<style>iframe#fee-calc{width: 100%;min-width: 900px;border:none;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {iframe#fee-calc { display: block; width:100%;min-width:280px; }<\/style><center><iframe id=\"fee-calc\" src=\"https:\/\/calculatorexpress.com\/API9\/Paul_Whelan_UW\/\" scrolling=\"no\" border=\"no\" onload=\"iFrameResize()\"><\/iframe><\/center>';\r\ndocument.getElementById('calculatorexpress_com-calculator').innerHTML = embed;\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8ee20a elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c8ee20a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/Y441G6781R8?rel=0&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05c204a elementor-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"05c204a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Your freedom is a<br> phone call away <br> 508-453-1250<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Massachusetts, the crime of receiving stolen property occurs when a person knowingly receives, possesses, conceals, or purchases property that they know, or have reason to know, has been stolen. To be convicted, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew the property was stolen and intended to keep it or dispose of it unlawfully. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[65],"class_list":["post-6625","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-criminal","tag-theft-crimes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts? - Afford Law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about receiving stolen property in Massachusetts, the elements of the crime, penalties, and potential defenses. 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