QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz,
I was walking in downtown Kingston when I saw a wallet on a busy street and ended up being charged for larceny. In a quick flash, a man came and said I stole his wallet. He could not identify the wallet so I told him I was not giving it to him. He called to to a policeman who came over and arrested me even after I explained myself. Now I am facing a criminal charge that makes no sense.
Bruce

Larceny by finding

RESPONSE: Dear Bruce,
An Inspector of Police has explained that you were charged because as soon as you picked up a wallet that you knew was not yours you should have either tried to find the owner or hand it over to the nearest station. Lots of Jamaicans hold unto items they find, but they can be charged for ‘larceny By Finding’. May the Judge have mercy.
Legal Wiz

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EDITOR’S NOTES:
The above does not constitute legal advice, and are done by inhouse senior journalists after research and discussion with attorneys-at-law and other specialists, as necessary. Please remember that names are changed at times by request of the person seeking information.

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