A person commits the criminal offense of receiving stolen property if the person buys or receives any property knowing that it has been stolen. Laws regarding receiving stolen property vary from state to state and some states also make it a crime to receive property obtained by extortion, or to conceal, sell, withhold, or aid in concealing, selling, or withholding any property from the owner, knowing the property was stolen or obtained by extortion, for example.
The criminal offense of receiving stolen property may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony in many states (a wobbler offense)—usually depending on the value of the stolen property.
Laws regarding receiving stolen property are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.
In Idaho, the crime of receiving stolen property is addressed under Idaho Code § 18-3125. A person is guilty of this offense if they knowingly buy, receive, possess, conceal, or withhold stolen property, or property obtained by robbery, burglary, or theft, with the intent to deprive the owner of their property. The severity of the charge, whether misdemeanor or felony, typically depends on the value of the property received. If the value of the property is less than $1,000, the offense is generally charged as a misdemeanor. If the value exceeds $1,000, it is charged as a felony. Additionally, Idaho law may enhance penalties for repeat offenders or if the crime involves certain types of property or circumstances. It is important for individuals accused of this crime to consult with an attorney to understand the specific charges and potential defenses available to them under Idaho law.