Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with receiving stolen property in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your receiving stolen property case.

What is Receiving Stolen Property in Ohio?

Under Ohio law, you do not have to be the person who stole the property to be charged with a theft offense. A person can be charged with receiving stolen property. Receiving stolen property is defined under ORC 2913.51 as illegally receiving, retaining, or disposing of property if you are aware or have reasonable cause to believe that the property was stolen. It is not a defense to argue that the offender did not commit the offense if the offender was explicitly told that the property was stolen.

A conviction for receiving stolen property is a theft offense and should be taken very seriously. This offense will show up on a background check and will impact your ability to secure employment or attend college. An experienced and dedicated attorney can help you fight these potential consequences.

Penalties in Ohio for Receiving Stolen Property

Receiving stolen property that is valued at less than $1000 is a 1st degree misdemeanor. This offense is punishable by 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. However, if the property is valued at more than $1000, receiving stolen property quickly escalates into a felony offense.

It is a 5th degree felony to receive stolen property that is valued between $1000 – $7500. It is also a 5th degree felony if you receive a stolen credit card, blank check, license plate, blank motor vehicle registration form, or blank license plate (ORC 2913.71). This offense carries a 6 – 12 month jail sentence and a fine of up to $2500.

Receiving stolen property is a 4th degree felony if the stolen property is a motor vehicle, dangerous drug, firearm, dangerous ordinance, or if the stolen property is valued between $7500 – $150,000. This offense is punishable by 6 – 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5000.

It is a 3rd degree felony to receive stolen property valued $150,000 or more. This offense is punishable by 9 months – 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to the penalties above, secondary consequences of a receiving stolen property conviction include a criminal record (which can be expunged), difficulty obtaining employment, limited educational opportunities, and/or restitution.

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Theft Attorney

If you have been charged with receiving stolen property in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your receiving stolen property case. For further information, consult Johnson Legal, LLC’s Theft Offenses Blog.