Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

What should I do?? Theft mislaid/lost

Hello. I will try and keep this short and thanks for your time.

I found somethin layin on the side of the road. New it would have cost about $250 but this was abused. It couldnt be sold as it was. Picked it up and took it home. No one was around so I didnt think it was lost.

Took it to friends to see if they knew anything about it an they didnt. We talked to companies(they are friends too)and none of them knew anything. Looked in newspaper an nothin was lost. A friend said ebay so I put it on(big mistake) Cops came to my house asked if I had it I said yes told them the story and they took it. I thought it was done; 3 months later I had a prelim. I hired counsel; the DJ passed it on. I said I was thinkin about putting lost ads up; it was $30 for copys of ads and I didnt want to use my money. Now have to go to the District court and have a trial or go to ARD. I cant do ARD cause I didnt do anythin wrong an I cant afford private counsel any advice wil be appreciated. What I want to know is if I have a good chance in court? I dont know what to do right now I talked to several LEO's and they told me to talk to the DA. I found out that the DA wont talk to anyone involved in case. I am going to the police academy in a month. Thanks.


Asked on 5/08/07, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: What should I do?? Theft mislaid/lost

A lot depends on what the item was. If it was something that wouldn't ordinarily be abandoned like a canoe, or a deer rifle you may have a difficult time convincing a Judge or Jury that you are not guilty of theft. A lot also depends upon what you are charged with. If it is theft by finder then your defenses are different than if it is receiving stolen property.

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Answered on 5/09/07, 10:08 am


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