Legal Question in Criminal Law in South Carolina

Innocent Possession of Stolen Goods

Recently my boyfriend stole a ring from an antique store while I was on my way to pick him up from town. He met me at the town library after he did this. He then said he had some gold he wanted to take to the pawn shop that we visit often when he has gold to sale. He got $6 for the ring and, although I've never seen the guy behind the counter before then, he didn't take my ID or get my signature. We then get a call from my boyfriend's mother saying we have to go to the police station because of the ring. So we go and when we get there they release him to his mother, as he's a minor, and sent me to jail since I'm 18, for possession of stolen goods. I never saw the ring or the money and I didn't know anything was stolen. My boyfriend tried to tell them that and switch places with me but the cop said I was still going to jail. I had to pay $1,087.50 fine to get out and go to court the 23. I wanted to know what to expect.


Asked on 6/08/08, 10:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: Innocent Possession of Stolen Goods

The court date they give you when your arrested gives you the opportunity to do one of three things. One, you can plead guilty and be sentenced. Two, you can have what is called a Bench Trial where the judge decides if you are guilty or not. Three, you can plead not-guilty and request a jury trial. You probably do not want to plead guilty. A bench trial is usually not advisable for a number of reasons. The safest thing to do is request a jury trial. They will have to continue the case and that will allow you to retain an attorney who can defend you. Obviously there is a lot more to the process than what is in this answer and the best thing you can do is go see a criminal attorney immediately, before your court date.

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Answered on 6/08/08, 11:22 am


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