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 Wyoming, the crime of receiving stolen property is addressed under Wyoming Statutes Title 6. Crimes and Offenses, specifically in section 6-3-403. A person is guilty of this offense if they knowingly buy, receive, conceal, or dispose of stolen property with the intent to deprive the owner of their 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 generally charged as a misdemeanor. If the value is $1,000 or more, the offense can be charged as a felony. Wyoming law also considers it a crime to receive property obtained by robbery or extortion. The statutes provide specific details on the penalties and classifications of the offense, which can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the circumstances and the value of the property involved.