What is the primary element in receiving stolen goods?

The primary element in receiving stolen goods is knowing that the property is stolen. This means that for an individual to be charged with the crime of receiving stolen property, they must be aware, or have reasonable grounds to believe, that the goods they are receiving are not legally theirs and have been obtained through unlawful means. This knowledge is crucial as it distinguishes receiving stolen property from merely possessing lost or abandoned property.

While concealing property unlawfully or other actions might be involved in the context of receiving stolen goods, the key aspect that constitutes the offense is the intent tied to the knowledge of the stolen status of the property. This implies that a person may not be liable for receiving stolen goods if they had no knowledge or could not reasonably suspect that the goods were stolen, thus emphasizing the importance of the individual's awareness in establishing guilt in such cases.