Last Updated on: 17th October 2023, 10:57 pm

Queens Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Lawyers

If you’ve been arrested for criminal possession of stolen property in Queens, New York, you need a good lawyer on your side. Let’s break down what this charge means and how an experienced Queens criminal defense attorney can help.

What is Criminal Possession of Stolen Property?

In New York, criminal possession of stolen property (CPSP) laws make it illegal to knowingly possess stolen property. There are varying degrees of this crime:

• Criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree is when you possess less than $1,000 of stolen goods.
• Criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree is when you possess between $1,000-$3,000 of stolen goods.
• Criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree is when you possess more than $3,000 of stolen goods.
• Criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree is when you possess more than $50,000 of stolen goods.
• Criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree is when you possess more than $1 million of stolen goods.

The value of the stolen property determines the degree of the charge and the potential penalties if convicted. The prosecution must prove that you knowingly possessed stolen property – in other words, that you knew the property was obtained illegally.

Fighting Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Charges

Just because you’ve been accused of criminal possession of stolen property does not mean you will be convicted. An experienced Queens stolen property lawyer can fight the charges by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and raising strong legal defenses.

For example, common defenses in CPSP cases include:

• You didn’t know the property was stolen – If the prosecution can’t prove you knowingly possessed stolen goods, the charges should be dismissed. Perhaps you obtained the property from someone you reasonably believed was the lawful owner.
• The property wasn’t actually stolen – Mistakes happen. Maybe the alleged owner misplaced the property or falsely reported it as stolen. If the items weren’t stolen, you can’t be convicted of possessing stolen property.
• Illegal search – If the police obtained evidence by violating your rights, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress the evidence. This could result in the case being dismissed.
• You were wrongly identified – Eyewitness misidentification is a common problem. If the prosecution has the wrong person, the charges should be dropped.

An assertive defense lawyer will thoroughly investigate the charges and build the strongest defense to secure the best outcome, whether that means getting the charges reduced or dismissed. Don’t leave anything to chance.

The Benefit of Early Intervention

It’s critical to have an attorney get involved in your criminal possession of stolen property case as early as possible. Here’s why:

• Your lawyer can intervene at the police station if you’re arrested, protecting your rights and preventing you from making harmful statements.
• The lawyer can start investigating right away, gathering exculpatory evidence and identifying witnesses while memories are fresh.
• Early representation allows time to file key pretrial motions that could get evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.
• Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution early on, before positions harden.
• By frontloading work, your lawyer has maximum leverage to get a favorable plea bargain or build a strong defense for trial.

Don’t delay – call an experienced Queens criminal possession lawyer as soon as you learn charges may be filed.

The Importance of an Individualized Defense

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to defending criminal possession of stolen property charges. An effective lawyer will tailor a defense strategy to the unique facts of your case.

For example, they may focus on:

• Your lack of criminal history
• Weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence
• Your stellar reputation in the community
• Mitigating circumstances showing you had no criminal intent
• Procedural defects in the investigation
• Constitutional violations by police

An individualized defense maximizes the chance of success. Don’t let a lawyer take a cookie-cutter approach to your future.

Understanding the Collateral Consequences

The criminal penalties are not the only consequences of a criminal possession of stolen property conviction in New York. You may also face:

• Having a permanent criminal record
• Difficulty finding employment
• Barriers to professional licensing
• Loss of voting rights
• Ineligibility for public housing and benefits
• Deportation if not a U.S. citizen

A knowledgeable lawyer will advise you about these collateral consequences so there are no surprises. They can also help minimize the extra penalties by negotiating with the prosecution.

The Bottom Line

Facing criminal charges is scary. But with an experienced Queens criminal defense lawyer guiding you, you can get through this. Call today to discuss your case – we are here to help.