ANSWERS: 1
  • Section 496 of the California Penal Code defines and discusses the consequences of what is commonly known as "receiving stolen goods." The statute also discusses the responsibilities of individuals who deal in or collect the personal property of others.

    Definition

    Receiving stolen goods has two elements: buying or receiving stolen property, and knowing that the property was stolen. Both contribute to guilt of a crime. Further, a person may not conceal, sell or withhold stolen property from the owner, nor help anyone else to do so.

    Penalty

    A person who commits larcenous acts related to California Penal Code 496 will be committed to state prison or to a county jail for not more than one year.

    Dealers

    Someone who operates a business dealing in or collecting personal property must make reasonable efforts to determine the ownership of property purchased or otherwise received for the business.

    Legal Remedy

    According to California Penal Code 496, a person harmed by this crime may file suit for three times the actual amount of the loss, costs of the suit and attorney's fees.

    Additional Information

    Under the Penal Code, a person in possession of stolen property without knowing that it was illegally obtained generally will not be found guilty of a crime, but is required to return the property to its owner.

    Source:

    California Penal Code Section 496

    US Legal Definitions

    Resource:

    California Courts Self-Help Center

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy