Are you facing a charge of receiving stolen property (Ohio residents may also refer to this as possession of stolen property charge)? If so, you should understand what the charge means, what level of offense it is, what punishments you could face, and what you should do next.
You are facing a criminal case. However, Gounaris Abboud, LPA lawyers are ready to defend you and work toward the best possible outcome for you regarding these charges.
Receiving Stolen Property: Ohio Law
The first step in addressing issues of receiving stolen property is to understand the law. If the police charged you with receiving stolen property, it means they believed you knew or should have known that property was obtained through the commission of a theft offense and that you:
- Received,
- Retained, or
- Disposed of the property.
The Theft and Fraud sections of our State laws fully address stolen property ORC (Ohio Revised Code) violations. A veteran defense attorney can apply the facts of your situation to the law and determine whether you might face charges and if so how to best defend you.
Is Receiving Stolen Property a Felony or Misdemeanor?
The short answer to this question is that the charge can be either a felony or a misdemeanor. Specifically, the receiving stolen property ORC section states that it is a misdemeanor of the first degree. However, it is a felony if, for instance, the property involved is:
- One thousand dollars or more in value,
- A motor vehicle,
- A dangerous drug,
- A firearm or dangerous ordnance,
- A credit card,
- A specific type of printed check or another negotiable instrument, or
- A motor vehicle identification license plate.
Above are just some of the circumstances that can lead to a felony. The law is broad and takes seriously acts involving, in Ohio, receiving stolen property. Law enforcement may raise charges to a very consequential third-degree felony.
Is Receiving Stolen Property a Felony If You Didn’t Know the Items Were Stolen?
You can’t be guilty of receiving stolen property if you didn’t know it was stolen. However, your actions may result in a finding of guilt if you should have known the items were stolen.
Additionally, the court can find you guilty even if no one stole the items but someone explicitly represented to you that the things were, in fact, stolen.
As you can see, there are several complexities to receiving stolen property. Ohio has multiple possible charges and circumstances to consider.
For a First Ohio Receiving Stolen Property Charge, Do I Need a Lawyer?
For any receiving stolen property charges, you need a lawyer. The lawyers may be able to use the fact that it is your first offense to advocate dismissal or reduction of charges. But the reality is that you may be facing serious charges that carry the potential of time behind bars. Don’t underestimate the severity of your charges.
On the other hand, facing a criminal charge can lead to feelings of despair. Don’t let that happen to you either. An attorney will discuss with you the circumstances surrounding your charges and present the best defense options. Whether it is your first charge, or you have prior charges of similar or different offenses, you need legal representation.
Gounaris Abboud, LPA: Approaching Your Legal Troubles with Confidence
The attorneys at Gounaris Abboud, LPA understand our criminal justice system inside and out. These experienced defense attorneys offer a free no-obligation case analysis to discuss the basics of your situation. Clients describe our firm as trustworthy, honest, and supportive.
Contact Gounaris Abboud, LPA, by calling 937-222-1515. You can also reach us online 24/7. With over 50 years of collective experience, we are the attorneys you need.
