Receiving Stolen Property Charges – Olin College of Engineering

Student Criminal Defense Lawyer – Dedham District Court

Being accused of receiving or possessing stolen property can put your education, reputation, and future at risk—especially as an Olin College student. Under Massachusetts law, you do not have to steal anything yourself to be charged. Simply possessing an item the police believe was stolen can result in criminal charges and serious disciplinary action by the college.

Me and my team here at the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett represent Olin College students facing receiving stolen property charges in Dedham District Court, as well as related campus conduct proceedings. Early legal guidance is critical to protecting both your criminal record and your academic standing.

Wellesley, MA Office
572 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Phone: 857.229.2442

What Is “Receiving Stolen Property” Under Massachusetts Law?

Receiving stolen property is governed by M.G.L. c. 266 § 60. A student can be charged if prosecutors believe they knowingly bought, received, or possessed property that was stolen.

To secure a conviction, the Commonwealth must prove:

The property was stolen
You possessed, bought, or received the item
You knew, or reasonably should have known, the property was stolen

Importantly, you do not need to have committed the theft yourself. Many students are charged simply because they were found in possession of the item.

Common College Scenarios Leading to Charges

I frequently defend Olin College students accused of receiving stolen property in situations such as:

Purchasing electronics, bikes, or other items online that later turn out to be stolen
Accepting property from a roommate, friend, or acquaintance
Keeping a phone, laptop, or other item that was “found” but never turned in
Being associated with others involved in theft activity

What may seem like a misunderstanding or poor judgment can quickly escalate into criminal charges and campus discipline.

Criminal Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Massachusetts

Penalties depend on the alleged value of the property:

Property Valued Under $1,200 (Misdemeanor):

Up to 1 year in jail
Fines of up to $1,000

Property Valued Over $1,200 (Felony):

Up to 5 years in state prison
Fines of up to $5,000

Cases involving Olin College students are typically prosecuted in Dedham District Court. A conviction can appear permanently on your CORI, affecting employment, internships, graduate school, and professional licensing.

Olin College Code of Conduct & Disciplinary Process

Olin College may initiate its own disciplinary process regardless of what happens in criminal court. Even if charges are dismissed or never filed, the college can still pursue conduct violations.

Possible consequences include:

Conduct probation or suspension
Loss of campus housing or leadership roles
Academic or disciplinary record notations

Because statements made during a conduct investigation can impact your criminal case, coordinated legal representation is essential.

FAQs – Receiving Stolen Property Charges

Do I have to know the property was stolen to be charged?
Prosecutors must prove knowledge or that the circumstances made it obvious. This is often a key defense issue.

Can Olin discipline me even if I didn't steal anything?
Yes. The college focuses on possession and conduct, not just theft.

Does returning the item help my case?
Returning property may help mitigate consequences, but it does not automatically eliminate criminal or disciplinary exposure.

Defense Strategies for Olin College Students

Me and my team build student defense cases by:

Challenging claims that you knew or should have known the item was stolen
Demonstrating the property was believed to be lost, abandoned, or legitimately obtained
Attacking weak or circumstantial evidence connecting you to the alleged crime
Working to resolve matters quietly before they escalate

We handle criminal defense and campus conduct matters together to protect your record, education, and future.

Why Olin College Students Hire the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett

Students trust me and my team because we offer:

Extensive experience defending college students in theft-related cases
Regular representation in Dedham District Court
A strategic, discreet approach focused on minimizing long-term damage

I understand that one accusation should not derail your education or career.

Contact the Law Offices of Kensley Barrett Today

If you are facing receiving stolen property charges or a conduct investigation at Olin College, do not wait.

Law Offices of Kensley Barrett
Wellesley, MA Office
572 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Phone: 857.229.2442

Early intervention can make the difference between a dismissed case and permanent consequences. Let me help you protect your future.

Receiving Stolen Property Charges Defense for Olin College of Engineering Students - Kensley Barrett Law