Affordable Theft Lawyer

Because every state has different definitions for theft, some states categorize theft crimes as either petty or grand theft. Usually, categorizing a theft depends on the value of the property taken and how it was stolen.

Almost anything can be stolen, including money and personal property and also someone's identity or intellectual property.

Penalties for Theft Depend Upon the Type of Theft Crime

Criminal penalties for theft crimes will range in severity. What penalties a defendant faces and the severity of the consequences often rest upon the following:

• The type of theft crime
• The severity of the theft crime
• The value of the stolen property
• Whether anyone was injured or killed during the crime
• Whether the defendant committed the crime armed with a weapon
• Whether the defendant has a criminal history

Penalties for theft crimes can involve fines, restitution, probation, or prison time. Depending on the crime, first-time offenders may have the opportunity to avoid prison.

Defenses for Theft Crimes

The type of defenses available depends on the crime and specific details of the incident. Potential defenses for theft crimes include the following:

• The property rightfully belonged to the defendant
• The defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property
• The defendant believed they owned the property, even if their belief was wrong or unreasonable
• Consent by the rightful owner to take the property
• Intoxication at the time of the incident

A skilled criminal defense lawyer can raise a legitimate defense that may avoid conviction.

Getting Legal Help for Theft Charges

If you're facing legal charges for a theft crime, it's best to get quality legal guidance from an unbundled lawyer. A lawyer is well-versed in the law and procedure associated with your charges and is skilled in crafting defenses to theft crimes. Having a lawyer manage your case can make all the difference in achieving a positive outcome.

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