Handling Stolen Property

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Handling Stolen Property

Handling stolen property is a dishonesty offence, which is sometimes also referred to as “fencing”.

Charges for handling stolen goods are brought under the Theft Act 1968 – and Section 34 of the Act defines “goods” as money and every other description of property, with the exception of land. However items “severed” from land – removed – may be classed as stolen goods.

There are heavy penalties for knowingly buying stolen goods, or buying them if there is a likelihood they have been stolen and then selling them on – and it is crucial that anyone facing allegations or charges relating to handling stolen property seeks legal advice from Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors as soon as possible.

Charges relating to handling stolen goods may also involve other charges such as conspiracy, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Not everyone facing allegations of handling stolen property is guilty, or bought goods to sell on knowing they were stolen. But defending a charge involving handling stolen goods can be complex – and may also involve cross-border issues if the goods have been stolen and imported illegally, for example; or stolen goods have been knowingly stored for safekeeping at a defendant’s home or other premises such as a lock up.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise even before charges relating to handling stolen property are brought – or if there is a likelihood of interview under caution.

Prison sentences for handling stolen goods can be the same as for a theft conviction – up to 14 years in jail – as charges are brought under the Theft Act.

Seeking legal advice from Duncan Lewis crime lawyers at an early stage of a case can help prevent mistakes and errors of judgement when dealing with the police or other authorities, which may later prejudice the outcome of a case for a defendant if the case goes to trial.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

The Duncan Lewis Crime Department is ranked in Legal 500 2014 for its General Crime and White Collar Fraud Work.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system – and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in criminal cases involving handling stolen property.

Duncan Lewis represents clients at Police Stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal – and has highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious matters such as murder and rape.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – When to contact us

Clients do not have to wait until they have been arrested to contact Duncan Lewis about any criminal charges – our team can advise from the initial stages of a police inquiry, or if it is likely a client may be arrested to face a criminal charge involving handling stolen property.

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can also advise on Civil Liberties matters such as wrongful arrest, false imprisonment and prisoners’ rights in custody – as well as advising on appeals against conviction or sentencing for handling stolen property.

All Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are highly trained and highly experienced – and are dedicated to offering the best criminal defence services to our clients at police stations, courts and prisons.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast and in all major cities across England and Wales.

A member of the Duncan Lewis criminal defence team can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to offer expert legal advice on all criminal charges and for police interview under caution.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing charges relating to handling stolen goods – call Duncan Lewis any time on 020 7923 4020 for expert legal advice.

For 24/7 help at a police station in England and Wales, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Handling Stolen Property

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services – Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances.

Duncan Lewis can advise further on Legal Aid at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors offer competitively-priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, after the event insurance may be an option and Duncan Lewis will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors to discuss handling stolen property charges on 020 7923 4020.