grand-larceny

[ESU]

someone i know bought a stolen computer from another person. the person i know knew that the computer was stolen but bought it any way. would the person i know do jail time. and also how would the courts handle it. I live in NYC.

[mcsap]

Depends on his criminal history. A peron can accrue "points" on their criminal history used only for sentencing just like you get on your drivers license.

This also varies by state. First timers are very likely to get probation.

[ESU]

what would you say if the person had a couple of misdemeanors, what kind of time would he be looking at, or fine.
Live in NY

[mcsap]

I would rather a NY LEO or someone else who KNOWS answer, I can only guess.

[ESU]

ok, thanks alot

[Joeyd6]

In NY, we as police officers could not give you an idea of time that would be served or a fine. That is up to a judge and DA and they use a variety of things to determine that. But chrges would be Criminal Posession of Stolen Property and possibly a petty larceny or grand larceny charge depending on: 1) value of the computer and 2) relationship/prior knowledge/plan of the theft.

All the original owner has to do is notify the computer manufacturer and they can in some cases, do a "lo-jack" type thing. See all modern computers connect to microsoft for updates. The microsoft registration number is on file with the original computer manufacturer. If they are notified...next time the computer logs on and "updates," it can be traced back to the phone number and your "friend" can be caught.

[mcsap]

Thanks Joey. You are just the person I was hoping would drop in.

[ESU]

Thanks Joeyd6, you really know your stuff.

[Joeyd6]

No problem!