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 Washington State, the crime of receiving stolen property is codified under RCW 9A.56.140. A person is guilty of this offense if they knowingly receive, retain, possess, conceal, or dispose of stolen property, and they are aware that it was obtained through theft. The law also covers property obtained by extortion. The severity of the charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, typically depends on the value of the property. Property with a value less than $750 may result in a gross misdemeanor charge, while property valued at $750 or more can lead to a felony charge. The specific classification of the felony (ranging from Class C to Class B) increases with the value of the property involved. Washington law also considers the criminal history of the accused when determining the severity of the charges and penalties.