Can a jury infer guilt from possession of recently stolen property?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. West, C076456 (Cal. App. 2015):

2. Contrary to defendant's contention, allowing a jury to infer guilt from possession of recently stolen property in such circumstances does not relieve the prosecution of its burden of proof. (See Barnes v. United States, supra, 412 U.S. at pp. 841-847 & fn. 12 [37 L.Ed.2d at pp. 385-388 & fn. 12].)

Other Questions


When is a defendant required to prove possession of stolen property to convict him of the crime of receiving stolen property? (California, United States of America)
Is inference of guilt permissible in a criminal case where stolen property is found in the conscious possession of a defendant? (California, United States of America)
What is the difference between cautionary instruction regarding a defendant's statements and the rule that possession of recently stolen property is insufficient to establish guilt? (California, United States of America)
Can a jury inferring guilt on a burglary charge based solely upon the conscious possession of recently stolen goods? (California, United States of America)
How have courts interpreted Calcim No. 376 of the Criminal Code for the purpose of instructing a jury not to infer guilt from a defendant's conscious possession of recently stolen goods? (California, United States of America)
In what circumstances will the court reverse its instruction that a defendant was in conscious possession of recently stolen property? (California, United States of America)
When a minor alleges that she was in possession of a stolen Raptor Raptor when the Raptor was stolen, does the minor have to prove that she knew it was stolen? (California, United States of America)
Is possession of recently stolen property sufficient to support a criminal charge? (California, United States of America)
Can a defendant be convicted of possessing stolen property even if the vehicles and parts were not stolen? (California, United States of America)
What is the effect of the "slight evidence" instruction on possession of recently stolen property? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.