Criminal may be cleared (5)
I believe the answer is:
fence
'criminal' is the definition.
(someone who handles stolen goods)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fence that I've seen before include "Bound over this" , "use blade" , "Paling; criminal receiver" , "Barrier; receiver" , "Barrier - engage in swordplay" .)