Utah criminal charge
Theft by receiving stolen property in Utah
Theft by receiving stolen property is a criminal offense under Utah law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408. Its classification is not fixed: Utah assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408.
What is the penalty for theft by receiving stolen property in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | 1 years to 15 years (Theft by receiving — value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle — The value of the property is or exceeds $5,000, or the property is a firearm or an operable motor vehicle.; indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $10,000 (Theft by receiving — value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle — The value of the property is or exceeds $5,000, or the property is a firearm or an operable motor vehicle.; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Jail / prison | up to 6 months (Theft by receiving — value under $500 — The value of the property is less than $500 and the offense does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c).) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
| Fine | up to $1,000 (Theft by receiving — value under $500 — The value of the property is less than $500 and the offense does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c).; greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-204 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
How is theft by receiving stolen property classified in Utah?
The classification depends on the circumstances:
| Variant | Classification | When it applies | Statute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theft by receiving — value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle | Second Degree Felony | The value of the property is or exceeds $5,000, or the property is a firearm or an operable motor vehicle. | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408(3)(a) |
| Theft by receiving — value under $500 | Class B Misdemeanor | The value of the property is less than $500 and the offense does not qualify under Subsection (3)(c). | Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408(3)(d) |
Common questions about theft by receiving stolen property in Utah
Is theft by receiving stolen property a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
It depends on the circumstances: theft by receiving stolen property ranges from a Class B Misdemeanor to a Second Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408.
Theft by receiving — value $5,000 or more, or firearm/motor vehicle: Second Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408(3)(a)) · Theft by receiving — value under $500: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408(3)(d))
What are the penalties for theft by receiving stolen property in Utah?
Which Utah statute covers theft by receiving stolen property?
Theft by receiving stolen property is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-408 (Theft by receiving stolen property - Duties of pawnbrokers, secondhand businesses, coin dealers, and catalytic converter purchasers).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.