A person commits the criminal offense of receiving stolen property if the person buys or receives any property knowing that it has been stolen. Laws regarding receiving stolen property vary from state to state and some states also make it a crime to receive property obtained by extortion, or to conceal, sell, withhold, or aid in concealing, selling, or withholding any property from the owner, knowing the property was stolen or obtained by extortion, for example.

The criminal offense of receiving stolen property may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony in many states (a wobbler offense)—usually depending on the value of the stolen property.

Laws regarding receiving stolen property are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Illinois, the offense of receiving stolen property is codified under 720 ILCS 5/16-1 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. A person commits this offense if they knowingly purchase, obtain, receive, or possess any stolen property, or property obtained by extortion, with the intent to permanently deprive the rightful owner of its use or benefit. The severity of the charge, whether misdemeanor or felony, typically depends on the value of the property received and the criminal history of the accused. For property valued at $500 or less, the offense is generally classified as a misdemeanor. However, if the value exceeds $500, the offense can be charged as a felony, with the potential for more severe penalties. Additionally, Illinois law also addresses the concealment, sale, or withholding of stolen property, making it a crime to aid in these activities when knowing the property was stolen or obtained by extortion.