Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker Lawyers

Giving False Information to a Pawnbroker? You May Need a Lawyer

So you got yourself in a bit of a pickle and gave some false info to a pawnbroker? Hey, we all make mistakes. But providing false information to a pawnbroker is actually a crime in most states. As someone who’s been there, I wanna give you the real deal on the laws around this and let you know when it makes sense to call in a lawyer.

First off, don’t panic! The charges for giving false info to a pawnbroker are usually pretty minor. Depending on the state and how exactly you messed up, it could be a misdemeanor or violation punishable by a fine and maybe a little jail time. The key is being upfront and honest if the police do get involved. Admit you made a dumb mistake, apologize, and throw yourself at the mercy of the court. Judges tend to go easier on remorseful defendants who make things right.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty laws. Most states have statutes that specifically prohibit providing false information to a pawnbroker. For example, in California it’s a misdemeanor to intentionally give false information on a pawn ticket or loan application. The crime can be charged as “defrauding a pawnbroker” or “swindling a pawnbroker.”

Some common ways people end up on the wrong side of these laws:

• Using a fake name or address when pawning or selling items
• Lying about ownership of the items being pawned
• Knowingly pawning stolen goods
• Providing false information about the value of items

The reason these laws exist is to prevent fraud and help pawnbrokers track down stolen items. Pawnbrokers have to keep detailed records on every transaction, so lying throws a wrench in that.

Now if you intentionally provided false info to scam the pawnbroker, like pawning a fake Rolex as real, you could be in hot water. Those types of premeditated crimes are felonies in many states. Same goes if you lied about stolen property being yours. An experienced criminal defense lawyer would be a good call there.

But in most cases, giving some wrong info by mistake only raises a petty misdemeanor. Still, the penalties can add up fast once you factor in court fees and fines. A lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed to minimize the damage. They can also advise you on any potential defenses, like if the pawnbroker didn’t follow proper procedures.

The bottom line is – come clean asap if you fibbed to a pawnbroker. Be polite and honest if questioned by the police. For minor one-time offenses, throwing yourself at the mercy of the court is usually the fastest path to putting it behind you. But for more serious or repeat offenses, talk to a criminal defense lawyer before saying anything. Having an experienced lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.