Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Puppy was given to me now they want him back

my neighrbord asked if I wanted a puppy and at first I said no. A week later my Aunt said she was looking for a puppy. So I went to my neighbors and there was a puppy tied in the yard and she said if I liked it to take, so I did. The next day this man was in my drive saying he wanted the dog back that she shouldn't have given the puppy to me because it was his and is going to contact the police. Did I inadvertently steal the puppy and can now be charged for this?


Asked on 3/12/09, 3:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: Puppy was given to me now they want him back

Can you be charged? Possibly. Will you be convicted? No, not if you get a good lawyer. The criminal intent element is missing from this scenario. You believed that this woman had the ability to give you permission to take the dog. Make sure to keep her information so you can subpoena her. But if you give the dog back, you can probably save yourself lots of money and headache.

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Answered on 3/13/09, 5:14 pm


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