QUESTION
What could happen if I cash a stolen check?
Asked on Sep 08th, 2012 on Criminal Law - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
My friend was arrested and he dropped my name. He said that I was a part of all these robberies, thefts and cashed stolen checks. I did yes, cash one stolen check, but I was forced to do so. The police said that if I told them everything I know they could get around me getting charged with forgery. They said that if I do not tell them anything that I will go down for the forgery and other theft charges and that I may possibly be able to be linked too.
19 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Your question requires an attorney consultation. It is not a simple question that can be answered on this type of forum. There are many factors that would need to be considered and evaluated. I strongly suggest that you contact an experienced criminal law attorney immediately for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your case. He/she would then be in a better position to analyze your case and advise you of your options. Under no circumstances should you talk to the police or anyone else without your attorney present.
Answered on Sep 17th, 2012 at 2:22 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Pittsburgh, PA
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Law Office of Jeffrey L. Pollock
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You could be prosecuted and sentenced for Forgery and/or Theft by Receiving Stolen Property. How are you going to persuade a court/police that you were forced to cash a check.
Answered on Sep 17th, 2012 at 2:21 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Fremont, CA
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Steven J. Alpers, A Professional Corporation
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It is dangerous giving statements to the police. I always advise against. Contact a lawyer now.
Answered on Sep 17th, 2012 at 2:20 PM
HIRE an attorney to go over your DEFENSE. But pay IN CASH PLEASE.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 2:57 PM
Transportation Attorney serving Mamaroneck, NY
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Palumbo & Associates, PC
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You can get arrested, prosecuted, and convicted.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
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Nelson & Lawless
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What could happen? Felony charges. You already know that. If you are questioned, arrested or charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? A little free advice you should already have followed: exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to police or anyone about the case except with and through an attorney. Your attorney will raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal arguments, for evidence suppression or other motions, or for trial. Effective plea-bargaining, using those defenses, could possibly reduce the potential time and other penalties you face. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, program, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Don't be fooled by the cops. You need to keep your mouth shut and speak only to your lawyer!
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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What the officer told you is exactly right.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 2:08 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving McKinleyville, CA
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Law Office M. C. Bruce
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You need a lawyer. If the cops are making you promises now, they will likely forget these promises once you give them what they want. A lawyer will be able to work out an immunity deal for you.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:51 PM
If you hire an attorney, they cannot talk to you without your attorney present. The only way to protect your rights is by hiring counsel. The prosecutor is going to want you to make statements and give information. Then they will use that information against you if at all possible.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:46 PM
2 Awards
Get a lawyer ASAP. Say nothing to the police.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:31 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
Do not talk to the police without a lawyer present. You "telling them everything you know" is just building a case against you. Your so called friend is just trying to get a deal with the prosecutor. Being forced to cash the check is not a defense, so you will be charged for doing so.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:28 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
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Klisz Law Office, PLLC
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Never talk to the police, period. Hire your own attorney first.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:18 PM
Michael J. Breczinski
BEFORE talking with the police, GET AN ATTORNEY. Let him be involved whether you are going to talk with them.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Workers Compensation Law Attorney serving Sacramento, CA
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Ernest Krause Attorney at Law
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The police don't have the authority to keep you from being charged with cashing the stolen check. Don't say anything. Get an attorney.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Leonard A. Kaanta
It is a 5 year felony, you need an attorney.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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You are in deep trouble and should get an attorney.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Deltona, FL
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R. Jason de Groot, P.A.
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There appears to be more than just a stolen check cashing charge potentially against you. Do you know that there are private attorneys who do this type of work for a living, and are highly qualified and experienced in handling criminal cases? Hire one, actually pay an attorney to defend you.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 12:19 PM
You need to retain a criminal defense attorney immediately and before engaging in any kind of negotiations with the police. Do not make any further statements to them without an attorney present. Their power to make deals regarding prosecution is more limited than they want you to think it is.
Answered on Sep 16th, 2012 at 12:17 PM