The crime of theft covers a wide range of allegations. While it generally involves taking something of value that does not belong to you with the intent to deprive the owner, the circumstances around these actions can vary dramatically. Under any scenario, a skilled criminal defense attorney has the power to fight back against these accusations.
When you have been charged with this offense, it is vital you aggressively develop a strategy to protect your legal rights. There is the potential to avoid a conviction or secure fair terms in a plea bargain. A Belle Isle theft lawyer could advise you on your options, whether you are accused of stealing from a local store or from someone visiting Lake Conway on a warm summer day.
There are many different types of theft-based offenses, and the seriousness of each case will be determined by certain factors. These charges can be treated as either misdemeanors or felonies. Some examples include:
While some cases involve taking a thing of value directly, others involve specific forms of fraud that include the intention of selling stolen property. A theft lawyer in Belle Isle could develop a viable defense strategy when you are facing any of these allegations.
In most of these cases, a crucial factor at sentencing is the dollar value of the item(s) that were allegedly stolen. In general, a person will face much greater legal jeopardy when the property in question is worth more. For items with a relatively low value, this offense is treated as a misdemeanor. A conviction for taking something worth less than $750 will be charged as petty theft. At most, a misdemeanor can lead to a maximum of one year in jail.
Felony charges have much steeper penalties attached to them. On the lower end, a third-degree felony could result in as much as five years behind bars. Offenses that qualify as a first-degree felony may instead lead to 30 years in prison, and in some rare cases, a sentence of life imprisonment is possible.
You may also face extenuating circumstances that can increase these penalties. One example is the commission of a crime while using weapons or violence. Another aggravating factor involves theft committed against the elderly.
In addition to the threat of jail time, if you are convicted of one of these theft offenses, you might also be hit with steep monetary fines and have trouble finding future employment. A Belle Isle lawyer could explain these consequences and work with you to determine the best legal defense at trial.
A Belle Isle attorney could represent you in your theft case in countless ways. One of the most important purposes we serve is developing a defense strategy. The right approach could result in a favorable outcome at trial or even lead to the dismissal by the prosecutor.
You have options when it comes to choosing the right approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that works in every case, so carefully evaluating the facts to determine the right approach in your specific situation is crucial. Examples of potential strategies include the following:
There are many facts that must be considered during this crucial process. While there is no way to guarantee a favorable outcome, a strong defense based on the facts surrounding the theft incident and your arrest could provide a pathway to a favorable outcome. Our attorneys are experienced in analyzing the situation and identifying the factors that will work in your favor.
Facing accusations of thievery can be difficult on a personal level, but they pale in comparison to being convicted and sentenced to prison time and steep fines. If convicted, your life could be impacted dramatically in ways you might not expect.
You have the right to defend yourself against these allegations and The Umansky Law Firm should be your first call. Reach out to a Belle Island theft lawyer today to learn more about how we can help.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
