Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Resale of stolen property

I bought a watch from a street vendor in California for $500

I sold it to a jewelry store in Texas and was paid $2,000.

It turns out that this watch was stolen property. I was

completely unaware of this fact!

A detective from CA. called to inquire how I obtained it.

He said this happens a lot & I was not needed further.

HOWEVER, what exposure do I have to the store I sold it to?

1) If the owner does not persue to reclaim his watch?

2) Can that store come after me if they do not return

his watch but rather keep it for resale?

3) Did I break any Texas laws - am I waiting for the

other shoe to fall, so to speak?

4) If the man does recliam his property can the store

come after me then?

The detective in CA said I was out of it & if anything it would be between the store in Texas & the owner. He said I did not have to contact anyone or return any money - that it was all on the store who bought it. While I don't know if that is really fair I want to know my legal rights are should that store persue me!!!

Thanks,

Bobby


Asked on 1/09/04, 10:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Armstrong The Law Office of John W. Armstrong

Re: Resale of stolen property

It sounds like a civil matter. The store must return the watch to the person where the watch was stolen and the store is outta luck. They might attempt to sue you civilly, but they took that risk when they bought the watch. Unless there is more to it than is listed in your question.

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Answered on 1/09/04, 7:28 pm


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