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 Vermont, the crime of receiving stolen property is addressed under Vermont Statutes Title 13, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Section 2561. A person is guilty of this offense if they buy, receive, possess, or aid in the concealment of property, knowing or believing it to be stolen. The severity of the charge in Vermont, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, typically depends on the value of the property received. If the value of the property is $900 or less, the offense is treated as a misdemeanor. If the value exceeds $900, the offense is considered a felony. Vermont law also considers the intent and knowledge of the individual receiving the property, and whether they should have known the property was stolen, in determining guilt. Penalties for receiving stolen property can include fines, imprisonment, or both, and are more severe for felony charges compared to misdemeanors.