Receiving Stolen Property in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, it is illegal to possess or obtain any property that has been stolen, embezzled or obtained by any false pretense. A charge of receiving stolen property is a felony offense in Oklahoma.
Reasonable Inquiry
One of the hallmarks of Oklahoma’s statue on receiving stolen property is the idea of making a “reasonable inquiry” before making a purchase. This means that if the circumstances surrounding the purchase would have been suspicious to the average person and you did not ask or try to determine if the goods were indeed stolen, you could be charged with receiving stolen property.
Here’s an example: You find a listing online for a new laptop priced at $100—well below market value. When you go to pick up the laptop from the seller, you notice that he has dozens of similar computers for sale. Obviously, this should raise a red flag that these computers were stolen.
However, if you proceed with the purchase without making a reasonable inquiry and are later found to be in possession of a computer that was originally stolen, you could be charged with receiving stolen property.
Penalties for Receiving Stolen Property in Oklahoma
Receiving stolen property is a felony, which means that you could be sentenced to a $500 fine and/or up to five years in prison if you are convicted of this charge.