Receiving Stolen Property (Explained)

If you have been charged with the offense of Receiving Stolen Property --- you should seek out come input from an experienced Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney.  Even after you have read this post.

This offense is defined as: any person who receives, possesses, transfers, buys or conceals any stolen property or property obtained by robbery, knowing or having reason to know the property was stolen or obtained by robbery.  In many respects, the accused are treated like those who commit Theft.  (Another crime that is similar to the receiving of stolen property is pawning of stolen property.)

What Can Happen

This crime can be charged as a felony, gross misdemeanor and/or a misdemeanor.  The penalty range is dependent upon the conduct and the amount of the theft. For instance, for certain felonies the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. But, if the value of the property stolen on the lower end --- the maximum penalty is 5 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.  Or -- if one is charged with a gross misdemeanor – the maximum penalty is up to one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.  And, if the value of the stolen property or services is less than $500, it is a misdemeanor and the defendant can be sentenced to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $1,000.  Disregard these numbers --- if the act creates a reasonably foreseeable risk of bodily harm to another person.  If that's the case: the penalties described above are enhanced

A good argument --- if you have been accused of receiving stolen property is claiming that you were ignorant to the fact that it was stolen. The requisite knowledge and intent is critical to the case, and often may be difficult for the State to prove. Additional defense arguments center on whether the the accused had a claim of right to the alleged stolen property, and whether the State can prove the value of the property in order to meet the gross misdemeanor or felony thresholds for the criminal penalties. Most good theft defenses will require careful scrutiny by a Minnesota Theft Attorney and potentially an investigator to interview key witnesses. The end result is a well thought out and strategic defense that focuses on not only preparing a defense for trial, but also used to leverage an optimal plea negotiation.

 If you have been charged with Receiving Stolen Property (and/or Theft) in Minnesota, you need to consult with a skilled Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney like the Rolloff Law Office.  The sooner you do this, the better your chances of gathering the information that could help to see these charges dismissed.  Call today: (612) 234-1165