What is the Punishment for Receiving Stolen Property in Nevada?

If you’ve been charged with receiving stolen property in Nevada, you’re probably wondering what kind of punishment you could be facing. As a criminal defense attorney in Las Vegas, I’ve seen these cases come up a lot. And I know that the penalties can be pretty harsh if you’re convicted. So let’s break it down and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

How Nevada Law Defines Receiving Stolen Property

Under Nevada law, it’s illegal to buy, receive, or possess property that you know – or reasonably should know – is stolen. The statute says:

“A person commits an offense involving stolen property if the person, for his or her own gain or to prevent the owner from again possessing the owner’s property, buys, receives, possesses or withholds property: (a) Knowing that it is stolen property; or (b) Under such circumstances as should have caused a reasonable person to know that it is stolen property.”^[1]

So even if you didn’t steal the property yourself, just having it in your possession can get you charged with a crime.

Nevada courts will assume you knew the property was stolen if:

• You’re found with 3 or more items of the same kind, and
• They all have the serial numbers or ID numbers removed or messed up.^[1]

You can be charged even if the person who actually stole the items is never identified or convicted.

Penalties Under Nevada Law

The punishment depends on how much the stolen property is worth:^[1]

• Less than $1,200 – misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine
• $1,200 to $5,000 – category D felony, 1-4 years in prison and/or up to $5,000 fine
• $5,000 to $25,000 – category C felony, 1-5 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine
• $25,000 or more – category B felony, 1-10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine

The penalties are calculated based on the highest reasonable value of the property.^[2]

As you can see, receiving stolen goods can be charged as anything from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value. And if it’s a felony, you could be looking at years behind bars.

Defenses a Nevada Criminal Lawyer Can Raise

If you’ve been accused of possessing stolen property, don’t panic. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can review the details of your case and build strategic defenses to fight the charges.

Here are some common defenses they may use:

• You didn’t know it was stolen – If you genuinely didn’t know the property was stolen when you received it, you aren’t guilty of a crime. Your lawyer may be able to show proof you thought it was legit.
• You didn’t actually possess it – Just being near stolen goods doesn’t count as possession. The prosecution has to prove you exercised control over the items.
• It wasn’t actually stolen – If your lawyer can show the property legally belonged to you, there’s no crime.
• Illegal police search – If the cops violated your rights and did an improper search, any evidence found may get thrown out.

Immigration Consequences

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, a conviction under NRS 205.275 could lead to deportation. It could count as an “aggravated felony” or a “crime of moral turpitude.”^[4] Definitely talk to an immigration attorney right away if you’re facing charges.

Sealing Your Criminal Record

If the charges get dismissed, you can petition to seal your record immediately. If you’re convicted, you’ll have to wait to seal it:^[5]

• Misdemeanor – 1 year after the case closes
• Category D felony – 5 years after the case closes
• Category C felony – 5 years after the case closes
• Category B felony – 5 years after the case closes

An attorney can walk you through the Nevada record sealing process when the time comes. Getting your record sealed or expunged can open up better jobs and housing opportunities.

So in a nutshell, those are the penalties and consequences for possessing stolen property in Nevada. Having a skilled lawyer in your corner can help minimize the damage and protect your rights. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation if you’re facing charges.