Purchased a stolen bicycle?

[garamas]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

I purchased a bicycle off craigslist a couple of months ago. Not thinking much about it i purchased it from a guy. We met at a high school and i looked the bike over then purchased it. I rode it for a month then deciding that it was way to big for me i put it up for sale on craigslist.

A month passes and i finally line up a buyer for the bike. He calls me to meet him up today so i go to the arranged meeting place and was greeted by 3 officers.

They were extremely nice and i explained to them how i acquired the bicycle. The officer asks me some questions and i show him the email from where i initially made contact with the seller, he then asks me to forward the email to him so i oblige. He then flips the bike over and there is no serial number at the bottom of the bike!!!! (i never checked this!!) He says that i could be charged for "recieving stolen property" a felony in my state because of the value of the bicycle.

I really had no idea that the bike was stolen @ the time i purchased the bike i asked the seller why he was so motivated to sell his response was he had a motorcycle that he needed to fix to sell in the morning...

Can I be charged with this offense?
Is there anything i can do to no be held liable for something i didnt even know?

[CdwJava]

Yes, you can be charged. Convicting you will require the state show that you knew, or reasonably should have known, that the bicycle was stolen - this will not be easy.

Provided your evidence is good and shows you bought it from someone else, and the price was not TOO outrageously low, you should be golden.

- Carl

[dave33]

How can they know whose bike it is without a #? Was there other identifying marks? I find it unlikely you will be charged in this situation.

[garamas]

thanks for the replys guys!

i am a nurse and im so scared to lose the liscense i pretty much gave up 2 years of my life for just because i bought a bike off craigslist!

The cop let me go and told me that as long as my story is true and can be verified i will not be charged...

1. The detective knew beforehand that i was not the first seller of the bike
2. The dectective had a copy of the original ad from the seller who i bought the bike from
3. My evidence:
-Add from the internet forum i first saw the bicycle for sale
-Email requesting the sellers phone number(email shows me asking about the bike and stating that im scared that it might not fit me
-I had a friend with me who can verify my story
-I purchased the bike for $440 and it was worth about $8-900
-When i asked the guy why he was selling so cheap he stated that he had a motorcycle he needed to fix to sell in the morning so i thought nothing of it

Dave
the bicycle had many accessories and upgraded parts that make it easily distinguishable

For me I rather the guy had his bike back cause he lost the bike and should get it back
I also dont really care about the money i lost, i just dont want to lose my nursing license...

[garamas]

anymore help guys?

[FlyingRon]

I'd avoid talking any more to the police and have a lawyer ready in case charges are filed. At a minimum you can be expect to be called as a witness when they catch up with the guy you purchased the bike from.

[dave33]

Also if what you say is true,I would put effort into getting some compensation for myself and let the other guy worry about his own issues.

[garamas]

How long should I wait before I file for restitution I was thinking of asking the detective becasue I don't
want to interrupt his investigation