Theft Cases

Theft is the unlawful taking of someone else's property with the intent to deprive the owner of the property permanently. Theft may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony and can have serious consequences, including jail, prison, fines, and restitution to the victim, depending on the value of the property taken and the prior record of the accused.

Examples of Theft Crimes:

• Auto Theft
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Fraud
• Grand Theft
• Identity Theft
• Larceny
• Petty Theft/Shoplifting
• Robbery
• Receiving Stolen Property

Larceny

Larceny is carrying away the personal property of another with intent to permanently (or for an unreasonable time) deprive the person of his interest in the property. The degree of the crime depends on the value of the property:

Larceny	Property Value
First Degree B felony	Over $1,000,000
Second Degree C felony	Over $50,000, or by extortion
Third Degree D felony	Over $3,000
Fourth Degree E felony	Over $1,000, or involving a credit card
Petit Larceny A misdemeanor	Any amount

Burglary

Burglary involves entering a building or unlawfully remaining in a building with the intent to commit a crime. The intent to commit the crime must exist at the time of entry, but it is not necessary for any crime to actually be carried out. Burglary can be either a B, C, or D felony, depending on where the crime occurred, whether or not people were present when the crime was committed, and whether a weapon was used.

Protect Your Constitutional Rights

Always remember that you have constitutional rights. If you have been arrested for burglary, shoplifting, or another theft crime, please keep these seven points in mind:

• You have the undeniable right to have your attorney present with you at every stage of the proceedings.
• You have the undeniable right to a public trial by an impartial jury.
• You have the undeniable right to remain silent before and during trial. No one can force you to testify against yourself.
• You have the undeniable right at trial to hear and question all witnesses who testify against you.
• You have the undeniable right at trial to have witnesses testify on your behalf.
• You have the undeniable right to appeal a determination of guilt after a trial has concluded.
• You are presumed innocent until a criminal charge is proven "beyond a reasonable doubt" or you enter a plea of guilty.

If you have been charged with a theft crime, you should contact an experienced defense attorney immediately to discuss your rights and options. Call Marshall Law PC today for a consultation.