What You Need to Know About Ohio’s Stolen Property Laws
Receiving stolen property in Ohio can be complicated. Here’s what to know about receiving stolen property in Ohio.
Receiving stolen property is an offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a 3rd-degree felony. Regardless of an individual’s involvement in theft, reasonable suspicion the object they received may have been stolen is enough to qualify as a crime.
What is receiving stolen property?
Ohio law defines receiving stolen property as receiving, keeping, or discarding of property known or suspected to be stolen.
Receiving Stolen Property as a Misdemeanor
Receiving stolen property is a misdemeanor if the value of the property is less than $1000. Penalties for this offense include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, and restitution. It is also a probational offense.
Receiving Stolen Property as a 5th-Degree Felony
In Ohio, receiving stolen property is a 5th-degree felony if the value of the property falls between $1000 and $7500 or the property is one of the following items:
- Stolen credit cards
- License plates
- Blank checks
- Blank BMV forms
- Stolen bulk merchandise containers
- Gravestones
- Street signs
Penalties for receiving stolen property as a 5th-Degree Felony include between 6 to 12 months in prison, a fine up to $2500, and restitution. Instead of prison, an offender may be on probation for up to 5 years.
Related: Equitable Distribution of Marital Property in Ohio
Receiving Stolen Property as a 4th Degree Felony
In Ohio, receiving stolen property is a 4th-degree felony if the value of the property falls between $7500 and $150,000 or if the property is one of the following items:
- A stolen motor vehicle
- A firearm/ sawed-off firearm
- Zip-gun
- Ballistic knife
- Dangerous drug
Penalties for receiving stolen property as a 4th-degree felony include between 6 to 18 months in prison, a fine up to $5000, and restitution. In lieu of prison, an offender may be on probation for up to 5 years.
Receiving Stolen Property as a 3rd Degree Felony
In Ohio, receiving stolen property is a 3rd-degree felony when the value of the property is greater than $150,000. Penalties for this offense include serving 9 to 36 months in prison
Related: What Happens If Someone Gets Injured On Your Property
Defense in Ohio for Receiving Stolen Property
The primary defense for receiving stolen property in Ohio is stating the defendant did not know or have a reasonable belief the property was stolen.
FAQS about Receiving Stolen Property in Ohio
Does receiving stolen property without participating in the theft of said property qualify as a defense?
As long as there is a reasonable belief the object was originally obtained by means of theft, not directly participating in its theft does not qualify as a defense.
Does receiving stolen property by means of purchase qualify as a defense?
Purchasing stolen property does not qualify as a defense if the circumstances of the transaction suggest the property might have been obtained through theft.
What are indicators the property may be stolen?
Common indicators the property may be stolen include a low price compared to market value, if the seller has a criminal history, and if the seller requests the transaction be unrecorded.
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