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Receiving Stolen Property

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Receiving Stolen Property

When the price of a luxury item such as jewelry or an automobile is too good to be true, then people should proceed with exceptional caution. In many cases, items that are sold in pawn shops or through online advertisements may have been significantly discounted because they were stolen.

When people believe that they have legally purchased items, they do not expect to face criminal charges for the transaction. Yet, many otherwise innocent people find themselves being arrested and charged with receiving stolen property even though they were not directly responsible for the theft and were either misinformed or never informed about how the items were originally acquired.

Dayton Lawyer for Receiving Stolen Property

Were you recently arrested for allegedly receiving stolen property in Ohio? It is in your best interest to immediately contact the Joslyn Law Firm for help possibly getting the criminal charges reduced or completely dismissed.

Brian Joslyn is a Dayton theft defense attorney who represents clients in communities throughout Montgomery County as well as Miami County, Clark County, and Greene County. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (937) 356-3969 to schedule a completely free initial consultation.


Montgomery County Receiving Stolen Property Information Center


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Receiving Stolen Property Charges in Ohio

Possession is often said to be nine-tenths of the law, and it is usually good enough to justify criminal charges in cases of receiving stolen property. It is not uncommon for prosecutors to charge alleged offenders with this crime when they lack the necessary evidence to prove they directly stole the items in question.

People can be charged with receiving stolen property under Ohio Revised Code § 2913.51 if they receive, retain, or dispose of another party’s property knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the property has been obtained through commission of a theft offense.

The classification of the crime depends on the type and value of the property:

  • First-Degree Misdemeanor — Property has a value of less than $1,000;
  • Fifth-Degree Felony — Property is a stolen credit card, blank check, license plate, a blank motor vehicle registration form, a blank driver’s license, or has a value of $1,000 or more but less than $7,500;
  • Fourth-Degree Felony — Property is a motor vehicle, dangerous drug, firearm, dangerous ordnance such as a ballistic knife or explosives, or has a value of $7,500 or more but less than $150,000;
  • Third-Degree Felony — Property has a value of $150,000 or more.

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Receiving Stolen Property Penalties in Dayton, OH

People convicted of receiving stolen property will have that charge reflected on their criminal record. The conviction can lead to increased difficulty being hired for jobs, getting approved for housing, or earning admission to colleges and institutions of higher learning.

In addition to those long-term consequences, alleged offenders also face very serious immediate penalties that may include:

  • First-Degree Misdemeanor — Maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and maximum fine of $1,000;
  • Fifth-Degree Felony — Maximum sentence of 12 months in prison and maximum fine of $2,500;
  • Fourth-Degree Felony — Maximum sentence of 18 months in prison and maximum fine of $5,000; or
  • Third-Degree Felony — Maximum sentence of five years in prison and maximum fine of $10,000.

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Ohio Resources for Receiving Stolen Property

Report A Crime — The Dayton Police Department Online Police Reporting System allows you to submit reports immediately and print a copy of the report for free. You can report incidents of non-vehicle theft and vehicle-related theft involving property stolen from a motor vehicle. You cannot file an online report if you are reporting a theft or loss of prescription medication, you have suspect information, the value of the stolen property is more than $1,000, or the stolen property is a firearm (gun), license plates, a stolen motor vehicle, or hazardous material.

Dayton Police Department
335 West Third Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 333-COPS (2677)

Trace | America’s largest database of stolen goods — Trace claims to be “the largest database of property reported stolen to America’s law enforcement agencies.” It has millions of serial numbers of stolen goods from thousands of police and associated agencies that people can search for free in order to avoid buying stolen goods. In addition to checking to make sure you are not buying stolen goods, you can also report goods to be traced as well.


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Find a Receiving Stolen Property Lawyer in Dayton, Ohio

If you have been charged with allegedly receiving stolen property in Montgomery County, you should not delay in seeking experienced legal counsel.

The Joslyn Law Firm fights to defend clients accused of theft crimes throughout the greater Dayton area, including many surrounding communities such as Troy, Springfield, Piqua, Kettering, Huber Heights, Fairborn, Beavercreek, and many others.

Brian Joslyn is an experienced Dayton criminal defense attorney. Call (937) 356-3969 or complete an online form to have him review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free, confidential consultation.


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  • Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye.
  • Columbus CEO magazine has yearly selections for the best attorneys in Columbus Ohio. Brian Joslyn has been identified as one of the most highly skilled attorneys across central Ohio.
  • Brian Joslyn has earned recognition for community leadership by Lawyer LegionLawyer Legion
  • Preeminent Attorney Award. Peer rated for highest level of professional exellence.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.

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