Theft Crimes Lawyer: Defending Against Theft and Property Crimes
Providing You With Legal Representation to Defend You Against Theft Charges
Facing theft charges could result in possible jail time, fines, and damage to your reputation. A conviction can also make it challenging to find employment, as employers usually hesitate to hire anyone with a record of theft. Additionally, theft crimes can negatively affect a person’s ability to seek higher learning opportunities, as colleges typically conduct criminal background checks. Finally, an individual will most likely be prohibited from joining the military, as all branches of the armed forces have a strict moral code and will not waive theft offenses.
Therefore, when you have been charged with theft, you need an attorney who understands these kinds of charges and knows what evidence, or lack of evidence, to look for to help you build your defense case. At the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates, we work hard to ensure that we provide our clients with the most vigorous defense possible.
If someone has accused you of theft or a theft-related crime, you must obtain legal counsel immediately. Call the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates today to speak with a legal team member who can provide details about how we can help and schedule your free 30-minute case evaluation.
What Kinds of Charges Fall Under Theft Crimes?
While many people think of theft crimes as stealing physical property, criminal offenses involving theft go beyond the stolen property. Four main categories for theft crimes are discussed in more detail below.
Property Theft
Property theft is just what it sounds like: charges involving physical property, such as electronics, cars, and money. These charges can range from misdemeanor shoplifting to felony grand theft. Armed robbery is also a theft charge, but it is often accompanied by other criminal charges, such as aggravated assault or weapons charges, which can increase the potential penalties.
Theft by Fraud
This category includes theft charges involving theft of any kind committed through fraud. One example is fraudulently representing yourself as a charity to collect donations.
Theft of Services
Theft of services involves stealing work from another party. It usually occurs when a business renders services expecting payment at the end of the transaction, but the party who received the services does not pay.
Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving stolen property is one theft charge that does not require you to be the one who perpetrated the theft. To be charged with this, you usually have to have received the property knowing that it was stolen.
Are Theft Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies?
Depending on the details of the case, a theft crime can be prosecuted as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor theft charges usually do not involve violence and are when the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000. For example, petty theft crimes in which the property is valued at $500 or less result in misdemeanor charges.
Felony theft involves a weapon, threat of physical harm, or stolen property valued at more than $1,000. Under Tennessee law, theft offenses over $500 are considered grand larceny.
Theft crime classifications include:
- Class A misdemeanor: Theft valued at $500 or less
- Class E felony: Theft valued at more than $500 but less than $1,000
- Class D felony theft: Theft valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000
- Class C felony: Theft valued at $10,000 or more but less than $60,000
- Class B felony: Theft valued at $60,000 or more
If you need further clarification regarding the differences between misdemeanor and felony theft crimes, contact the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates so we may answer your questions. We will gladly review your case to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and whether the charges can be reduced or possibly dismissed.
What Are the Penalties for Misdemeanor and Felony Theft?
If you are convicted of a misdemeanor theft or other property crime on your first offense, you could serve up to one year in jail and pay fines of up to $2,500. Alternatives to jail time include being ordered to serve probation and perform community service. Although misdemeanor charges are considered less serious than felonies, a conviction can still result in a permanent criminal record, negatively impacting your life.
A felony theft conviction can result in severe penalties and haunt you for the rest of your life, making obtaining gainful employment, housing, or student aid challenging. Even more importantly, a conviction for a Class E felony can carry a prison sentence of up to six years and $3,000 in fines, and a conviction for a Class A felony can carry a sentence of up to 60 years and a fine of up to $50,000.
In some instances, an individual charged with misdemeanor or felony theft may be sentenced to probation. However, the court will examine several factors, including whether the defendant is a first-time offender, and other circumstances involved in the crime, such as whether a weapon was involved.
Due to the legal consequences, such as jail or prison time, if convicted of a theft crime charge, it is always wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer to build a solid defense on your behalf and protect your legal rights. One of the best steps to avoid a potential criminal conviction is to hire a Clarksville criminal lawyer to help you navigate the Tennessee criminal justice system. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Are the Criminal Defense Options for Theft Crimes?
All theft crimes should be treated as serious criminal charges and require the help of a skilled defense attorney. Your criminal defense strategy should be tailored to your case and circumstance, so discussing your options with your legal counsel is essential. However, there are a few general defense options to be aware of, including:
- Arguing for mistaken identity in which you were not the person who stole the property
- Showing that the property was rightfully yours
- Claiming that the case is based on entrapment
- Arguing that the charges, such as a shoplifting case, should be dismissed
- Pleading guilty in exchange for a lower charge or lighter sentencing
Regardless of the facts of the case, your criminal defense attorney will work to gather evidence that weakens the state’s case against you. At the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates, our ultimate goal is to try to dismiss your charges or argue that you should receive probation.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys have the experience to craft an innovative and effective defense strategy to help you obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Can I Be Sued If I Am Convicted of a Theft Crime?
While theft crime information is usually focused on criminal penalties, it is essential to note that there could also be civil penalties. If you are convicted of theft, a legal process is available to the victim to sue for compensation through the civil courts. For example, if someone is convicted of stealing merchandise from a retail store, the store could sue in the civil courts for damages related to the value of the stolen property.
Furthermore, if a person is acquitted of a theft crime, a victim can still sue them in civil court. For example, Tennessee law stipulates that if a person obtains services under false pretenses, they can be sued and may be forced to pay civil penalties.
Therefore, even if you are accused of a theft crime, you must seek help from a criminal defense attorney immediately. A defense attorney can ensure that you are treated fairly and work to disprove the state’s case against you.
Our Clarksville criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of the criminal and civil penalties that can result from being charged with theft crimes. Because of the various legal implications you may have after being charged with a theft crime, it is always best to hire a defense attorney who will act as your legal advocate.
What Makes Your Clarksville Criminal Defense Attorney the Right Choice to Defend My Case?
If you have been charged with a theft crime, you need an attorney who understands the Tennessee legal system and what it takes to get results. The Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates has theft crime lawyers who will work to ensure you are treated fairly.
If we agree to take your case, our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate it and prepare an aggressive defense to fight the charges. Our dedicated legal team will work hard to find a favorable outcome for your case quickly so you can resume your life without fear of a criminal record.
If you have been charged with a theft crime, moving quickly on your defense strategy is important. Call the Law Office of Hibbeler & Associates at 931-236-2711 to get started. We offer every new client a free 30-minute case evaluation so that you can meet our team and make informed decisions about your legal defense.