Third Degree Criminal Possession Of Stolen Property: New York Penal Law 165.50

Third-Degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property: Understanding Your Options in New York

Facing an accusation of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property under New York Penal Law §165.50 can feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself: “What does this mean for my future?” or “How can I fight this?” Here at Spodek Law Group, we understand how scary it is to wonder if you could lose your freedom, your job, or your reputation. I want you to know—you’re not alone, and you have options.

What Does Third-Degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Mean?

Before we dive into defenses and possible outcomes, let’s talk about what third-degree criminal possession of stolen property actually means. Under §165.50, it generally involves knowingly possessing stolen property valued at more than $3,000. That might sound straightforward, but in real life, “knowing” and “possession” aren’t always black and white. If you’ve been charged with this offense, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re guilty, because there are many angles to explore—like whether you had reason to believe the property was stolen in the first place.

Potential Consequences

So, what could happen if you’re found guilty? Third-degree criminal possession of stolen property is a Class D felony in New York, which can carry serious consequences. Depending on your background and prior record, you might face incarceration for several years, along with steep fines. The stakes feel high—and they are—but remember that every situation is unique, and a skilled defense team can often negotiate reduced charges or even get the case dismissed under the right circumstances.

The Spodek Law Group Approach

At Spodek Law Group, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter legal strategies. Our firm takes a strict approach to investigating every angle: we’ll interview witnesses, question the chain of custody for any evidence, and look closely at whether law enforcement acted properly when they searched or seized property. Todd Spodek, our managing partner, is a second-generation attorney who’s been featured in numerous high-profile media outlets for his relentless dedication to his clients—including his appearance in the 2022 Netflix series about Anna Delvey’s trial. Our philosophy is simple: we offer white-glove service that includes 24/7 availability, a fully digital client portal, and transparent fees, because we believe you deserve a team that’s honest, thorough, and truly has your back.

Possible Defenses

Now, let’s address possible defenses. One common defense is the lack of knowledge—maybe you didn’t realize the property was stolen. Another angle is challenging the value, because if the prosecution can’t prove it was worth more than $3,000, the charge might not hold. Sometimes, there’s also an argument that the property wasn’t actually in your control or possession. In short, even if the police found you with something suspicious, it doesn’t mean you intended to commit a crime.

Prior Criminal Record Considerations

You might be wondering, “What if I have a prior record?” Honestly, that’s a valid concern because the court will consider your criminal history when determining bail, sentencing, or plea deals. But don’t lose hope. Our lawyers have worked with clients from all walks of life—many of whom had prior brushes with the law—and we know how to present mitigating factors that could ease the court’s view of your situation.

Navigating the Legal Process

We also understand that the legal process can be confusing. That’s why we built a nationwide presence with offices in both New York City and Los Angeles. If your case has cross-state elements, our team can still support you or coordinate with local counsel, thanks to our extensive network. Our digital client portal lets you track each development in your case—24 hours a day—so you never feel out of the loop.

Understanding Costs

What if you’re worried about costs? We get it: hiring a lawyer is a big decision. At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on having transparent fee structures. We’ll walk you through the potential costs and help you understand your options—so you never feel blindsided. Plus, we’re selective in taking on cases we truly believe we can help with, which means we won’t waste your time or money if we don’t think we can make a difference.

Take Action Today

If you’re still feeling scared or overwhelmed, I encourage you to give us a call or reach out through our website. We offer initial consultations where we listen to your story—no judgment, just honest discussion about where you stand. From there, we start building a defense tailored to your circumstances. Whether that means fighting for a dismissal, a reduced charge, or taking it all the way to trial, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Remember, this article is meant to give you general guidance—not legal advice. If you’re facing charges for third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, I urge you to get a qualified attorney involved as soon as possible. We’re here around the clock if you want to talk, and we’d be honored to help you navigate this frightening experience. Your future matters, and having the right team by your side can make all the difference.