Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409. We fight to protect your rights.
Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake City

Criminal Defense Solutions Start HereSM

Finding a Felony Defense LawyerChoosing a Misdemeanor Defense LawyerDrug and Alcohol Crimes Defense LawyerWhite Collar Defense Attorney for Utah ChargesAttorney for Expungements Reductions and PardonsDefendant Constitutional Rights Criminal LawyerBail and Bond Alternatives in UtahReasons for Hope Facing Criminal Charges

Theft by Receiving Stolen Property - Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer

Under the Utah criminal code, a person can be convicted of theft for simply possessing or receiving stolen property - even when the evidence is clear that another person stole the property. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights and help you achieve the best outcome for your case. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard represents clients throughout Utah. He has achieved success in defending clients against theft, burglary, robbery, and other related criminal charges. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.

Elements of a Utah Criminal Charge for Theft by Receiving Stolen Property

Theft by receiving stolen property is defined broadly under Utah's criminal law, to include any person who "receives, retains, or disposes of the property of another knowing that it has been stolen, or believing that it probably has been stolen, or who conceals, sells, withholds or aids in concealing, selling, or withholding the property from the owner, knowing the property to be stolen, intending to deprive the owner of it." In many Utah criminal cases, the two key elements of this statute are the person's knowledge or belief that the property was stolen and also their intent to deprive the owner of that property.

Interestingly, this criminal charge does not require any proof that the property actually was stolen. The statute also allows for charges even if the defendant mistakenly believed that the property was stolen. This could become a key issue in a case where, for example, police conducted an undercover sting operation. In such a situation, if a person takes possession of property from an undercover officer under circumstances that would lead an ordinary person to believe the property was stolen, then that person could face criminal charges of theft by receiving stolen property.

In order to obtain a conviction for this charge, a prosecutor must also prove the "intent to deprive the owner" of the property. A person who finds stolen property and takes possession of it with the purpose of returning that property to its rightful owner is not guilty of this crime.

Penalties for Theft by Receiving in Utah

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Utah can be severe. Under Utah criminal law, the level of a theft by receiving stolen property charge is usually based on the value of the property involved. Property valued at less than $500 typically results in a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail. But as the value increases, so does the level of the offense, up to the second degree felony level punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Certain theft charges in Utah do not depend on the value of the item. For example, a theft by receiving charge involving a motor vehicle or a firearm become automatic second degree felony charges, regardless of the value of the car or gun.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake

Stephen Howard is a Salt Lake City criminal defense lawyer representing clients charged with theft by receiving and other criminal charges throughout Utah. He has a track record of achieving real results for his clients. He has achieved not guilty verdicts and dismissals in Utah criminal cases of theft, robbery, burglary, and more.

If you are charged with theft by receiving or other crimes in Utah, you need an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation.


Best Rating
Make a Payment to Your Account
Get Help Now
Name: Email: Phone: Describe your legal needs here:
I accept the disclaimer below.
Disclaimer: No attorney-client relationship is established by the use of this form. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be submitted through this form. By clicking 'submit' I am only requesting that I be contacted for the purpose of obtaining legal services.

This form protected by reCAPTCHA.

  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense Trial AttorneyNot Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
  • Utah Expungement Attorney Expungement - Worked to restore client's expungement eligibility through 402 reduction process, then filed successful expungement petitions in multiple courts obtaining expungement orders and clearing client's official criminal history.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Hope

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

Reasons to Hope »
Home | Attorney Profile | Case Results | Criminal Code | FAQ | Legal Resources | Defense Strategy | Contact Us

Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

The materials in this website are intended for informational purposes only, and are not legal advice. Viewing or responding to materials in this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Read Full Disclaimer.