Official Text
“Whoever receives or retains any stolen property, knowing or having reason to believe the same to be stolen property, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Receiving or retaining property.
- Knowing or having reason to believe.
- Property is stolen.
Potential Defenses:
- No knowledge of stolen nature.
- Innocent purchase.
- Lawful possession.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Buying stolen goods, accepting stolen items, knowingly possessing stolen property.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Innocent purchase, unaware of stolen nature, or lawful possession.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 3 years, or Fine, or both