There are many different kinds of theft crimes – shoplifting, robbery, embezzlement, credit card fraud, etc. Theft crimes are probably the most specific kinds of crimes because they differentiate between how the property was take, when the person formed the intent to take the property, how much was taken, whether the person intended to give the property back, and a whole lot more.

 

You may be asking yourself why this matters. Well, the prosecuting attorney - aka the District Attorney or City Attorney - is the person who decides what crime to charge and whether to charge the offense as a misdemeanor or a felony. A good defense attorney will not just negotiate your case for you but will also review all police reports and discovery to ensure that the charges you face are appropriate.

 

For example, if you went into a local retail store and stole a sweatshirt worth $60, then the appropriate charge would be shoplifting, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of 6 months in jail (although, probation is a much more likely outcome). But, if the prosecuting attorney incorrectly charges you with grand theft, then you could be looking at years in prison.

 

Because theft crimes are so particular, it is important that you hire an attorney that is familiar with defending a wide variety of charges and who understands the differences, even if only minor. If you are facing theft charges, call the number above to discuss the facts of your case to ensure competent representation.