What is a necessary mental state for the crime of possession of stolen goods?

For the crime of possession of stolen goods, the necessary mental state is a dishonest purpose. This means that the individual must have knowledge that the goods are stolen and that they intend to keep or use them for their own benefit, thereby facilitating the crime of theft. The law requires that possession of stolen property is not just a matter of holding the items; it also necessitates an understanding of their illicit nature and an intention to deprive the rightful owner of their property.

In essence, having a dishonest purpose signifies that the individual acknowledges the wrongful nature of their possession and chooses to proceed with it anyway, which establishes the crucial element of intent in property crimes. This mental state differentiates between someone who may unwittingly come into contact with stolen goods and someone who actively engages in furthering the theft by holding onto those goods.