Official Text
“Whoever has in his possession any property which he knows or has reason to believe to be stolen property, shall be punished.”
Legal Analysis
Elements to Prove:
- Possession of property.
- Knowing or having reason to believe.
- Property is stolen.
Potential Defenses:
- No knowledge of stolen nature.
- Innocent possession.
- Lawful ownership.
Practical Examples
What Constitutes the Offense:
Keeping stolen items, possessing goods known to be stolen, retaining suspected stolen property.
What Doesn't Constitute:
Innocent possession, unaware of stolen nature, or lawful ownership.
Punishment
Imprisonment up to 1 year, or Fine, or both