by Pennsylvania – A routine encounter with a lost $20 bill in a Walmart store has taken an unexpected turn for a Pennsylvania woman, highlighting the state’s strict approach to lost property laws. Brianna, a local resident, was stunned to learn that picking up found money without making “reasonable attempts” to return it can lead to criminal charges.
The Incident That Shocked a Community
Brianna’s story, which has gone viral with over 258,000 views on social media, started innocuously enough. While shopping for craft supplies with her sister, she found $20 in the change slot of a Walmart self-checkout. Thinking it was her lucky day, she kept the money with plans to buy additional craft materials. However, about a week later, police officers contacted her with a serious message: in Pennsylvania, keeping lost money without trying to find the owner is a criminal offense.
Brianna vividly recalled the police interaction, where she was informed that even picking up a penny or $50 without “reasonable attempts” to find the owner could result in misdemeanor charges. She expressed her dismay, saying,
“I don’t even have a speeding ticket—never even gotten a speeding ticket. Clean record. Totally clean.”
Pennsylvania’s Strict Lost Property Laws Explained
Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to take control of property known to be lost if you do not make efforts to return it. The severity of charges depends on the value of the found item, ranging from summary offenses to misdemeanors or felonies. As noted by legal observers, some local police departments apply these laws rigidly, often without charging discretion.
- Finders must make “reasonable measures” to locate the rightful owner.
- Failure to do so can lead to charges even if the found amount is small.
- Charges can escalate depending on the value of the lost property.
Comparatively, other states like California require found property worth $100 or more to be turned over to police, with the finder able to claim it if unclaimed after a specified period. Pennsylvania does not recognize the “treasure trove” doctrine common in some states, meaning found money does not automatically belong to the finder.
The Aftermath and Public Reactions
Despite Brianna’s willingness to cooperate — even offering to pay back more than the original amount — the police pressed charges until her lawyer intervened, ultimately resulting in the charges being dropped. This incident came at a difficult time for Brianna, impacting her mental health severely.
The story ignited widespread discussion among the public, many criticizing the enforcement intensity over a $20 bill. Comments expressed disbelief at police priorities, with some pointing out the irony given other serious crimes often receive less attention.
“If only the government spent this much time on stalking/sexual assault victims… truly embarrassing,” one user commented.
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What Lies Ahead: Possible Legal Reform?
Brianna, now contemplating petitioning the law as “bogus,” hopes to spark reform by calling attention to the law’s rigid application without common sense. This case serves as a cautionary tale about Pennsylvania’s lost property regulations and raises important questions about how such laws should be enforced.
For full details on this story, visit the original report on BroBible.
Key Takeaways:
- Finding money in Pennsylvania can potentially lead to criminal charges if the owner is not sought.
- Police enforcement of these laws can be strict and inflexible.
- Other states have more lenient or structured processes for found property.
- The story has sparked debate over the need for legal reform and common-sense application of the law.
What do you think about Pennsylvania’s ‘finders keepers’ law? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
