Receiving stolen property is a charge that often surprises defendants — you may not have stolen anything yourself, yet you find yourself facing criminal prosecution. Perhaps you bought something from someone who turned out to be a thief, accepted a gift without questioning its origins, or purchased items online at a steep discount. In California, receiving stolen property is a serious offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the property. Our Anaheim, CA criminal defense lawyer defends clients charged under Penal Code 496 throughout Orange County.
Understanding Penal Code 496: Receiving Stolen Property
California Penal Code Section 496 makes it illegal to buy, receive, conceal, sell, or withhold property that you know to be stolen. The key word is ‘know’ — the prosecution must prove that you actually knew or had reason to know the property was stolen at the time you received it. If the property’s value is $950 or less, the charge is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail. If the value exceeds $950, it is a wobbler and can be charged as a felony, carrying up to three years in state prison.
The Knowledge Requirement: The Heart of Your Defense
The prosecution’s most significant burden in receiving stolen property cases is proving that you knew or believed the property was stolen. Seyb Law Group focuses intensely on this element. Did you purchase the item at a fair market price from a legitimate-appearing seller? Did you receive it as a gift with no knowledge of its origins? Were you buying merchandise online through a reputable platform? The circumstances under which you received the property are central to your defense. We gather receipts, communications, and other evidence to demonstrate that you had no reason to suspect the property was stolen.
Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence
Beyond the knowledge element, Seyb Law Group examines whether the property was in fact stolen, whether law enforcement had the legal authority to search your home or business, and whether proper chain of custody was maintained for all evidence. In many cases involving flea markets, pawn shops, or online transactions, innocent purchasers become entangled in law enforcement sting operations targeting serial thieves. We untangle these situations and present the full context to prosecutors and juries.
Consequences of a Conviction and Why Prevention Matters
A receiving stolen property conviction — even at the misdemeanor level — creates a theft-related record that follows you on background checks for years. For those working in retail, finance, logistics, or any position of trust, this can be career-ending. For non-citizens, theft offenses can constitute crimes involving moral turpitude with severe immigration consequences. Seyb Law Group pursues every available avenue to avoid a conviction, including diversion programs, civil compromise, and negotiated dismissals.
Contact Seyb Law Group for an Aggressive Defense
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or buying something from the wrong person, should not define your future. Seyb Law Group has the experience and tenacity to challenge receiving stolen property charges and protect your record. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney. We will review the details of your case and outline your best path forward.
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