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 Mississippi, the crime of receiving stolen property is addressed under Mississippi Code Section 97-17-70. A person is guilty of this offense if they knowingly possess, receive, retain, or dispose of stolen property. The severity of the charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, typically depends on the value of the stolen property. If the value of the property is less than $1,000, the offense is considered a misdemeanor. However, if the value exceeds $1,000, the crime is classified as a felony, which carries more severe penalties. Additionally, Mississippi law may enhance penalties for repeat offenders or for receiving stolen property that is a firearm, vehicle, or other specific items of significant value or importance. It is important for individuals to be aware that even if they did not originally steal the property, they can still face criminal charges for involvement with the property after the fact if they know it to be stolen.