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 Virginia, the crime of receiving stolen property is codified under Virginia Code § 18.2-108. A person is guilty of this offense if they buy, receive, or aid in concealing stolen goods, knowing them to be stolen. The determination of whether the offense is a misdemeanor or a felony in Virginia depends on the value of the stolen property. If the value of the property is less than $1,000, the offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, if the value is $1,000 or more, the offense is charged as a felony. This aligns with the concept of a 'wobbler' offense, where the severity of the charge can vary based on the circumstances, particularly the value of the property involved. Additionally, Virginia law also addresses the receipt of property obtained by extortion, which can similarly lead to criminal charges.