Possession of Stolen Goods

In North Carolina, possession of stolen goods is divided into two separate categories: misdemeanor possession of stolen goods and felony possession of stolen goods.

Misdemeanor possession of stolen goods under North Carolina General Statute 14-72(a) occurs when a person (1) possesses (2) stolen property (3) knowing, or having reasonable grounds to believe, that it was stolen (4) with a dishonest purpose. Misdemeanor larceny is a class 1 misdemeanor with a maximum punishment under the law of 120 days incarceration and a discretionary fine not limited by the statute.

Felony possession of stolen goods under North Carolina General Statute 14-72(a) occurs when a person (1) possesses (2) property (3) stolen or taken feloniously (4) knowing, or having reasonable grounds to believe, that it was stolen (5) with a dishonest purpose. Felony possession of stolen goods is a class H felony with a maximum punishment under the law of 39 months incarceration.