Blog Post
Recent Updates
July 02, 2010
Surviving a Virginia DWI/DUI or Reckless Driving Charge
November 29, 2009
Virginia Court Rules Additional Proof Needed in Prosecution for Trespassing
November 29, 2009
Felon In Possession of Firearm - Constructive Possession Enough
November 29, 2009
Fairfax Virginia Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers Attorneys
October 10, 2009
Fairfax Virginia Embezzlement & Theft/Larceny Defense Lawyers Attorneys
Archives
Virginia Court Reverses Defendant's Convictions for Receiving Stolen Property
July 01, 2009
Topic: Fraud, Theft & White Collar Crimes
The Virginia Supreme Court recently decided Whitehead v. Commonwealth and ruled that the Virginia Court of Appeals erred in affirming the multiple convictions for receiving stolen property and the revocation of the defendant's prior suspended sentences on unrelated offenses based in part upon the convictions at issue in the appeal. It was further held that the trial court was plainly wrong in holding that the defendant "received" the property merely because she benefited from the proceeds of its sale. The court noted that any arguments concerning constructive possession or concealment of stolen property were not properly raised below and therefore were not considered by the court in deciding the appeal. Because the trial court placed significant weight upon defendant's new convictions in the revocation of the suspension of her prior sentences, the defendant was entitled to a new hearing on her probation violation. The judgment of the Court of Appeals as to 32 convictions for receiving stolen property was therefore reversed and the indictments were dismissed by the Virginia Supreme Court. A copy of the opinion is available by clicking on the link at the end of this post.
Manikas Law LLC | 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075 | For more information on theft crimes, visit our main website | Serving Fairfax County/Tysons Corner, Prince William County (including all Manassas courts), Loudoun County (including Leesburg), Arlington County, Alexandria, and other parts of Northern Virginia | We offer a free, no obligation consultation by former prosecutor Kyle G. Manikas.
Attachments:
VaSupCt-Whitehead.pdf
