Receiving or possessing stolen property is a violation of which penal code?

Receiving or possessing stolen property falls under Penal Code 496 in California. This section specifically addresses the act of knowingly receiving or possessing property that has been stolen, as well as any efforts made to conceal or dispose of such property. The law aims to deter individuals from becoming complicit in the theft of property by holding them accountable for any involvement they might have after a theft has occurred.

The rationale behind this statute is to create consequences for those who facilitate or support criminal activities by accepting stolen goods, thereby helping to combat the broader issue of theft and property crime. This makes it clear that individuals are not only accountable for direct acts of theft but also for any subsequent actions that involve stolen property. It's important for law enforcement to understand that this law encompasses a wide range of scenarios where possession or receipt of stolen property is involved, reinforcing the need to report and investigate such offenses vigorously.