Let’s be honest – being accused of receiving stolen property can turn your whole world upside down. Maybe you bought something from an online seller or at a yard sale, having no idea it was stolen. Or perhaps someone gave you a gift that turned out to be hot. However it happened, you’re now facing serious criminal charges in Castle Rock that could affect your family, job, and reputation for years to come.
We know this can be an incredibly stressful and confusing time. You likely have a million questions running through your head. How could this happen? What exactly does “receiving stolen property” mean? What kind of penalties could I be facing? Will I have a permanent criminal record? Believe us, you’re not alone in your concerns.
As experienced Castle Rock receiving stolen property lawyers, we’ve helped many clients just like you fight back against receiving stolen property charges and avoid harsh sentences. We’ll explain exactly what these charges mean, what penalties you could face, and, most importantly, how working with advocates like us can give you the best chance at a positive outcome in your case.
Let’s start with the basics. Under Colorado law, receiving stolen property means knowingly possessing, retaining, or disposing of an item that you know – or have reasonable cause to believe – was obtained through theft or other illegal means. You don’t need to have been involved in the actual act of stealing the item. Simply having it in your possession is enough to be charged with a theft crime if prosecutors can prove you knew or should have known it was stolen.
The most common situations we see are:
Often, the hardest part is proving what someone actually knew about the item’s origins at the time they received it. That’s where experienced lawyers like us can dig into the evidence and fight questionable accusations.
The consequences really depend on the specifics of your case. In Colorado, receiving stolen property can potentially be charged as anything from a petty offense to a felony charge carrying years in prison. The main factors are:
Possible penalties can include:
However, experienced theft defense lawyers will thoroughly examine the evidence, identify any police errors, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options whenever possible. With the right legal advocacy, we can often get charges dismissed entirely or keep penalties to a minimum.
| Value of the items stolen | Classification | Penalties |
| Less than $300 | Petty Offense |
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| $300 to less than $1,000 | Class 2 Misdemeanor |
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| $1,000 to less than $2,000 | Class 1 Misdemeanor |
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| $2,000 to less than $5,000 | Class 6 Felony |
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| $5,000 to less than $20,000 | Class 5 Felony |
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| $20,000 to less than $100,000 | Class 4 Felony |
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| $100,000 to less than $1,000,000 | Class 3 Felony |
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| $1,000,000 or more | Class 2 Felony |
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Once you’re facing receiving stolen property charges, you need someone in your corner who will fight relentlessly to protect your rights. As your criminal defense lawyers, we will:
Our ultimate goal is to get your charges reduced or dismissed without a conviction whenever possible. Even if that’s not feasible, we will craft a smart sentencing strategy aimed at keeping you out of jail and avoiding a permanent criminal record.
With decades of experience as Colorado criminal defense lawyers, we’ve handled hundreds of complex cases like yours. We’ve seen firsthand how innocent mistakes can lead to devastating criminal charges. You need aggressive, compassionate, and strategic advocates guiding you through this process.
At Right Law Group, we have an impeccable track record of success stories where charges got dismissed or significantly reduced. Plus, we have the relationships with prosecutors and judges to negotiate effectively on your behalf and know the intricacies of local courts and procedures. There’s no substitute for this home-field advantage.
Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an inexperienced lawyer or public defender who can’t give your case the time and meticulous preparation it deserves. The stakes are too high. Contact our law office today for a free case evaluation, and let us help you put this difficult situation behind you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The theft of firearms, motor vehicles, and identity documents such as passports, social security cards, and driver’s licenses can mean harsher penalties and elevated charges, regardless of the actual value.
Attempting to return stolen goods for a cash refund or gift card can lead to receiving stolen property charges as well. Retailers have sophisticated systems to identify fraud.
Being found in possession of a significant stash of stolen property leads prosecutors to claim you were running a fencing operation. This results in more severe penalties than an isolated incident.
