Were you charged with receiving stolen property in Dayton, OH? In Ohio, this offense is considered theft even if you weren’t the person who stole the property in the first place. Fortunately, the Dayton receiving stolen property lawyers with Suhre & Associates, LLC can help.
Our legal team includes former police officers and prosecutors, and our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience. The consequences of a receiving stolen property conviction can haunt you for years; let us go to bat for you and put forward your best possible defense.
For more information, contact our law offices at (937) 531-0435 or send us a message online. Our law firm offers a free initial consultation to review your case.
How Suhre & Associates, LLC, Can Help With a Receiving Stolen Property Charge
You might be feeling overwhelmed after being charged with receiving stolen property in Dayton, Ohio. That’s understandable, considering theft is considered a crime of “moral turpitude” in the Buckeye State – meaning it can carry severe consequences that can last far beyond the penalties imposed by the criminal justice system.
When your future is at stake, you’ll need a strong advocate in your corner to protect your rights and interests. That’s just what the experienced Dayton theft crimes lawyers with Suhre & Associates, LLC, can do for you. Some of the ways we can assist with your case include:
- Apprising you of your legal options at every stage of your case
- Investigating your case to unearth possible exculpatory evidence
- Hiring experts to analyze your case and testify on your behalf at trial if necessary
- Negotiating with the prosecution to have your charges reduced or dismissed if possible
Reach out to our Dayton theft crimes attorneys today to learn more about how we can assist with your criminal charges.
What Is Receiving Stolen Property in Dayton, Ohio?
Receiving stolen property is described under Ohio Revised Code Section 2913.51. This law makes it illegal to “receive, retain, or dispose of property of another knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the property has been obtained through commission of a theft offense.”
Notably, you can be convicted of this charge even if the property wasn’t actually obtained via a theft offense so long as the property was explicitly represented to you as stolen.
Receiving stolen property is a “wobbler” offense and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. By default, it is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, but it could also be charged anywhere from a fifth-degree felony to a third-degree felony, depending on the nature of the property involved.
The offense could be charged as a fifth-degree felony if the property involved is a blank check, driver’s license, or is valued between $1,000 and $7,500, to name a few examples. If the stolen property is a motor vehicle, firearm, dangerous drug, or is valued between $7,500 to $150,000, it could be charged as a fourth-degree felony. And a third-degree felony charge could ensue if the property is worth more than $150,000.
What Are the Punishments for Receiving Stolen Property in Dayton?
The penalties imposed by the criminal justice system for receiving stolen property in Dayton, Ohio, will vary depending on the nature of the case:
- First-degree misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
- Fifth-degree felony: Between 6-12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500
- Fourth-degree felony: Between 6-18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000
- Third-degree felony: Between 1-5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
Each of these charges also carries the possibility of probation as well as restitution.
Because theft is a crime of moral turpitude in Ohio, a receiving stolen property conviction in Dayton can also result in significant collateral consequences. If relevant, you could face immigration issues, including the possibility of deportation. A criminal record, especially one with a felony conviction, can make it much more difficult to obtain housing or employment.
What Defenses Are Available Against a Receiving Stolen Property Charge?
As shown above, the penalties can range widely depending on the type of receiving stolen property offense you’re charged with. That makes it much more critical to have an experienced Dayton theft crimes lawyer on your side to attempt to have your charges reduced (or even dismissed altogether).
The defenses available to you will depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. Potential defenses include, but are not limited to:
- Your constitutional rights were violated, such as via an unlawful search and seizure
- You did not know, nor did you believe, that the property was stolen
- The prosecution has failed to support every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt
- There is exculpatory evidence available to prove your innocence
- You knew the property was stolen but had the intention to return it to the owner or police
- You did not actually possess the stolen property
Not all of these defenses will be available in every case. Our Dayton receiving stolen property lawyers will analyze and investigate your case to determine the best defense that is tailor-made for your situation.
Contact a Dayton Receiving Stolen Property Lawyer Today for Assistance
Receiving stolen property is a charge taken seriously in the State of Ohio. It can carry collateral consequences reserved for only the most serious offenses, and the penalties imposed by the court can include years in prison and significant fines.
It’s best not to face such a charge on your own. Instead, let the experienced Dayton receiving stolen property attorneys work with you to craft an effective defense. Because our legal team includes former prosecutors and police officers, we understand how the other side likes to operate, and we use that knowledge to our advantage.
Call today at (937) 813-6817 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced theft crimes lawyers in Dayton. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
