What are the Penalties for Stealing Scrap Metal in Reno?

Posted on January 5, 2016

There is big money to be made in scrap metal. While selling scrap metal found on the street or in alleys or garbage in Reno may be a good source of cash, stealing scrap metal from homes, businesses, or public property can be a good source of Nevada criminal charges.

Stealing, taking, and carrying away scrap metal or utility property is a specified criminal offense under Nevada law. NRS 205.267 provides that:

• A person who intentionally steals, takes and carries away scrap metal or utility property with a value of less than $1,200 within a period of 90 days is guilty of a Nevada misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the penalty can include up to six months in Washoe County Jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
• If the value is $1,200 to less than $5,000, it is a category D felony. It carries 1 – 4 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
• If the value is $5,000 to less than $25,000, it is a category C felony. It carries 1 – 5 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• If the value is $25,000 to less than $100,000, it is a category B felony. It carries 1 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
• If the value is $100,000 or more, it is a category B felony. It carries 1 to 20 years  in prison and up to a $15,000 fine.

In addition to time behind bars and fines, a court can order that an individual convicted of stealing scrap metal pay restitution and perform community service as follows:

• For a first offense, 100 hours of community service.
• For a second offense, 200 hours of community service.
• For a third or subsequent offense, up to 300 hours of community service for up to one year, as determined by the court.

In determining the value of the scrap metal or utility property taken, the cost of repairing and, if necessary, replacing any property damaged by the theft of the scrap metal or utility property must be added to the value of the property.

If you have been charged with stealing scrap metal in Reno or anywhere within Washoe County, you could be facing serious jail time and other consequences as set forth above. Please give one of our skilled Reno criminal defense lawyers a call to discuss your case.

About the Author

Neil Shouse

A former Los Angeles prosecutor, attorney Neil Shouse graduated with honors from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School (and completed additional graduate studies at MIT). He has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Dr Phil, The Today Show and Court TV. Mr Shouse has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as one of the Top 100 Criminal and Top 100 Civil Attorneys.