Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Utah
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
Call Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah
Call Utah Criminal Lawyer
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers / Former Prosecutors
Call 801-449-1409 now to see what the right attorney can do for you.
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 AttorneyDismissed - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Utah Dismissed - Client was facing multiple cases involving first-degree felony drug distribution charges for allegedly selling to a confidential informant. Defense analysis of the case revealed fatal flaws in the prosecution case that ultimately resulted in a complete dismissal of all cases and charges.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Utah Burglary Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with residential felony burglary and theft charges. Effective cross-examination of alleged victim at preliminary hearing resulted in an admission by the alleged victim that the charges were based on a false report to police, made for the purpose of getting revenge against the defendant. Case was dismissed outright.
  • Recent Posts
  • What to Do When Arrested for DUI What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
  • Utah Statewide Warrant Search How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

The right criminal defense lawyer can work with you to develop a defense strategy designed to achieve the best results. Hiring a Utah criminal attorney with real courtroom experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal issues involved in defending against a criminal prosecution can help ensure the best...

Strategy »
Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Our criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing some of the most serious felony charges on the books in Utah. Whether you are facing prosecution for felony or misdemeanor charges, you can be assured that our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and determination necessary to help you achieve the results you need. Choosing the best defense attorney for your case will be one of the most important decisions you make....

Experience »
Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

Consequences »
Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Reasons to Hope

Never give up hope. Being charged with a crime is not the same as being convicted. And it is usually not the end of the world. While the consequences of a criminal charge can be serious, there are often several options and strategies for handling your case. Understanding your options and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help....

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.