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 Oregon, the crime of receiving stolen property is addressed under ORS 164.095, which defines the offense as 'Theft by receiving.' A person commits this crime if they buy, receive, conceal, or otherwise acquire possession of property with the knowledge or belief that it was stolen. The severity of the charge in Oregon, whether misdemeanor or felony, typically depends on the value of the property received. Property valued at less than $1,000 generally constitutes a misdemeanor, while property valued at $1,000 or more can lead to felony charges. Additionally, Oregon law does not limit the offense to property obtained solely by theft but also includes property obtained by extortion. The statutes provide for various degrees of penalties based on the circumstances and value of the property involved.