Receiving stolen property

[PW79LF]

I live in PA, and my 14 year old brother is about to be charged with receiving stolen property. What happened was he found a bike in some ones trash and took it home with him. It wasn't the greatest bike and it needed a new tire, which he replaced. Then two days ago he was at the park and a gentlemen came by and said that the bike belonged to him and took the bike. Apparently though as he pulled away there was a police officer there and the gentlemen told the police officer that my brother had stolen the bike. My bother explained to the officer what had happened and the officer was understanding, but he told told my parents that he would be charged with receiving stolen property. My question is is there anything that can be done to keep him from being charged?

 

[CdwJava]

I have to tell you that the most common tale the police hear is that they found something in the trash ... it's hard to believe.

Did he explain what he was doing rooting around in a strange trash bin? Does he scrounge the trash frequently?

Did he identify the specific bin and when he found it?

Was there anyone else with him when he allegedly found it?

In all honesty, this claim is weak and the cops hear it every day. Fortunately for your brother, if this is all the state has, chances are slim that the matter will go to trial.

- Carl

 

[PW79LF]

Well he lives in a town so they don't have bins. Most people just have trash cans in there back alley where they put there trash. He found the bike in an alley with the trash cans and the rest of the trash, so its not like was stuffed some where. But yes he did tell the police where exactly he found it, and I don't think that anyone was with him. Do you think that the fact that he has no preivous record will help?

Thanks

 

[CdwJava]

No previous record means that they have nothing to point to and may be what saves him. However, it does sound odd ... and, as I mentioned, it is likely THE most common answer when people are found in possession of stolen property - especially bikes. The #2 answer is that someone gave it to them but usually that "someone" is a person the receiver did not know or only knew by a first name and no contact info.

However, if anything should happen again, they WILL likely remember this incident. So, if there was anything untoward, hopefully he will not do it again.

- Carl

 

[PW79LF]

Thanks so much for your time and input.