Does it matter if D changes his mind or cannot execute after agreeing?

Does it matter if D changes his mind or cannot execute after agreeing?

• A. It doesn't matter; offense occurs at conclusion.
• B. It matters; offense occurs when attempt fails.
• C. Only if goods exist.
• D. Only if thief agrees.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that handling stolen goods is about possession or control of the stolen property, not just the act of agreeing to deal. The offense is complete when the transfer or possession actually occurs—that is, when the goods are finally handed over or taken into the offender’s possession. If D changes his mind or cannot complete the deal after agreeing, that doesn’t erase the offense once the transfer has concluded. If the goods are never transferred, there’s no offense. The other options don’t fit because they imply liability arises simply from agreement, existence of goods, or the thief’s agreement, rather than from the moment the possession/transfer is completed.

The key idea here is that handling stolen goods is about possession or control of the stolen property, not just the act of agreeing to deal. The offense is complete when the transfer or possession actually occurs—that is, when the goods are finally handed over or taken into the offender’s possession. If D changes his mind or cannot complete the deal after agreeing, that doesn’t erase the offense once the transfer has concluded. If the goods are never transferred, there’s no offense. The other options don’t fit because they imply liability arises simply from agreement, existence of goods, or the thief’s agreement, rather than from the moment the possession/transfer is completed.