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 Nebraska, the offense of receiving stolen property is covered under Nebraska Revised Statute 28-517. A person commits this offense if they intentionally receive, retain, or dispose of stolen property knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it was probably stolen, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property. The severity of the charge in Nebraska depends on the value of the property received. If the value of the property is $5,000 or more, it is considered a Class IIA felony; if the value is $1,500 to $5,000, it is a Class IV felony; if the value is $500 to $1,500, it is a Class I misdemeanor; and if the value is less than $500, it is a Class II misdemeanor. Additionally, Nebraska law also addresses the possession of property obtained by extortion. The penalties for receiving stolen property can include fines, restitution, and imprisonment. An attorney can provide specific guidance and representation to anyone facing such charges in Nebraska.