An experienced criminal defense attorney could help you avoid a conviction for a felony theft charges. Even a petty theft conviction can cause you problems when applying for jobs or renting an apartment.
A qualified New York larceny defense lawyer can begin building your criminal defense immediately. The prosecution must prove that you intended to steal the property in question.
Theft is a Crime
Stealing is a crime because it violates the fundamental principle that you have a right to exclusive use and possession of your property. Without this principle, society would have difficulty achieving any projects or even getting through the day.
Theft is a crime when you take the personal property or money of another person without their permission. It is usually categorized as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value of the stolen property.
If you are accused of stealing, you must hire a New York theft attorney. Your lawyer can formulate a strong defense and defend you against the charges. A conviction of theft could result in significant jail time and substantial fines. Theft crimes also include shoplifting, embezzlement, robbery and criminal possession of stolen property.
Theft is a Misdemeanor
When a person is charged with theft, the charges will depend on what kind of property was stolen and how much that property was worth. Different jurisdictions have different levels of theft crimes depending on these factors.
For example, many people are charged with petty larceny when they shoplift from department stores or other retail locations. They can receive a fine and probation.
However, it is important to note that a record of petty larceny can interfere with someone’s ability to secure employment, find housing, and obtain financial aid for higher education. For these reasons, anyone facing a theft charge should call an attorney right away. The Herbst Firm is available 24 hours a day to help individuals defend against theft charges. They will review the evidence and determine a strategy for the case.
Theft is a Felony
A felony conviction will carry severe penalties including jail time, fines, and impact an individual’s career and personal life for years to come. Felony theft charges should be treated seriously and it is vital to consult a criminal attorney immediately.
The value of the stolen property determines whether a crime is classified as a felony or not. The dollar amount is determined by state law and varies depending on the type of item being taken. In addition to a threshold dollar amount, certain types of property are also considered a felony such as vehicles, firearms, and search and rescue dogs on duty.
Embezzlement is another type of felony theft that occurs when someone who has been trusted with a person’s or business’ money or property fraudulently converts it to their own use. It is typically charged as a felony in NC and can have severe consequences.
Theft is a Class C Misdemeanor
A record of theft can have long-term effects that negatively impact a person both personally and professionally. If someone is charged with a theft crime in New York, it is important that they consult with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible to begin building a strong defense for themselves.
A conviction for larceny can result in jail time and large fines, depending on the severity of the charge and the value of the stolen property or services. Having a felony or misdemeanor on your record can also make it difficult to secure employment in certain industries, and can prevent a person from securing financing for higher education.
Our criminal lawyers may be able to help you get a reduction or dismissal of your theft charge by arguing that you did not act with intent to permanently deprive the victim of their property or service; there was an agreement or implied consent for the use of the property, or you had a mental impairment that prevented you from understanding right and wrong at the time of the alleged offense.
Theft is a Class D Felony
Many states, and the federal government, categorize felony crimes into classes, or degrees. The class a crime is classified as may depend on the nature of the crime and the criminal history of the accused person.
For example, grand larceny in the fourth degree can qualify as a class D felony, as can criminal possession of a forged instrument and certain forms of identity theft. Unlawful surveillance, unauthorized ownership of a firearm and making a false report of an incident to authorities also fall under this category.
A person who is convicted of a class D felony could face prison time and large fines. This is why it is so important to hire an experienced lawyer for larceny charges. The attorney can create a strong defense and fight to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
