Sold a Stolen Item to a Pawn Shop

My question involves criminal law for the state of: alabama

I was with my boyfriend and he had some rings he wanted to sell to a pawn shop. So we went to a pawn shop and found out he forgot his license. So I told him we could use mine to sell the rings. After selling the rings I found out from his mother that he had stolen them from her. I had no idea! Now im worried I could get in trouble. The pawn shop said they lost the rings and we can't get them back. So the mother is filling a police report but doesnt want anyone to go to jail. What should I do? Im only 19.

I'm sorry but he didn't forget his license. He used you to keep his name off the pawn tickets because he knew the rings were stolen. I'd say dump the bum but then he'd likely pin it all on you.

If she files a police report that they were stolen, the police will do at least a cursory investigation. First stop: Pawn shops.

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Quoting free9man

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I'm sorry but he didn't forget his license. He used you to keep his name off the pawn tickets because he knew the rings were stolen. I'd say dump the bum but then he'd likely pin it all on you.

If she files a police report that they were stolen, the police will do at least a cursory investigation. First stop: Pawn shops.

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I would even hazard a guess that the post's timeline is a little out of order and that the police have already retrieved the rings from the shop as part of the investigation.

But, I could be wrong.

OP, I agree with the above. You got used. You basically allowed your boyfriend to put YOUR fingerprints on stolen property. He knew he was doing it... and you let him.

Time to get an attorney and then talk to the police. Consider your relationship over.

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Quoting free9man

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I'm sorry but he didn't forget his license. He used you to keep his name off the pawn tickets because he knew the rings were stolen. I'd say dump the bum but then he'd likely pin it all on you.

If she files a police report that they were stolen, the police will do at least a cursory investigation. First stop: Pawn shops.

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Can I go to prison or jail for this?

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Quoting l3l00dy

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Can I go to prison or jail for this?

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yes... though it would depend on the value of the items.

You will probably get probation but your also looking at a criminal record which can effect getting a job or even renting an apartment. Be completely honest with your lawyer,you are probably/ screwed but hopefully your not arrested . Also don't go back to the pawn shop or admit anything to the cops,simply say I won't speak with out a lawyer. Your boyfriend sounds like a scumbag it's screwed up that he is putting this on you and rings can be worth a whole lot. Someone I knew did something similar but he a had a record and was on probation but he got suck doing jail time b.c he did a so called friend a favor. The boyfriend should man up and admit he took them,it sucks getting arrested and possible having a criminal record,it's worse if it's b.c of some asshole.

Its very important,no matter what the police say or do,don't say anything unless incrusted by a lawyer,police can and do lie. If you are arrested get a lawyer or ask for a legal aid if you can't afford on. Shut up,be completely honest with the lawyer and see what he or she can work out for you. The best result is a dismal or if the drop the charges but if not ask about any diversion or 1st time offender programs. Given he value this can be a felony, it goes by the retail value not the crummy price a pawn shop gives you. Hopefully your not arrested but jail shouldn't be your only concern. If arrested then start saying ok how can limit the damage and lessen the impact this will have on my future. Once his mom calls the police it's out of her hands,they can choose to arrest you then the case is given to the district attorney. It's up the district attorney weather to file the case,the mother might say don't arrest her or let it go. If you are arrested then it's in the district attorney and judges hand what happens.

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Quoting cyjeff

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I would even hazard a guess that the post's timeline is a little out of order and that the police have already retrieved the rings from the shop as part of the investigation.

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I was thinking the same thing. I know pawn shops have a bad rap but I don't see one "losing" a bunch of rings. The ones I know are meticulous about their inventory.

True,it might help if the mother goes to the pawn shop and say listen someone stole my rings, find them or I will call the police. The rings might magically turn up.

Girlie - I concur with these other posters - time to drop this guy. Stealing from his own mother. Leaves you to pawn the stuff. I highly doubt he is going to take the rap, or even offer to pay your legal fees.

I bet when you pawned the rings, not only did you have to use your drivers license, but likely also a thumb print also.

You need to hire a lawyer immediately.

Most likely "They're lost" is a euphemism for "The police told me that you sold me stolen merchandise and I hope they nail your posterior to the wall, but I don't want to scare you off."