The crime of theft involves taking someone else’s property without their consent, with the intent never to return it. Although the specific penalties associated with the charge vary, you should take an arrest for theft seriously. A conviction could mean jail time, fines, and other consequences that follow you forever.
You do not have to fight these charges alone. All of our lawyers are former prosecutors and therefore uniquely well equipped to defend criminal cases. Our skilled defense attorneys understand how to build a winning strategy in a theft-related case. Let our Butler County theft lawyer review the allegations against you before advising you of your defense options.
If a court convicts you of theft, the extent of your penalties will depend on the value of what was allegedly stolen. In general, the law treats theft cases involving goods or services worth less than $2,000 as misdemeanors. A conviction in these cases carries up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
The consequences are more serious for theft cases involving items valued above $2,000 because the law treats these cases as felonies. The maximum penalty you can face for a theft-related offense is 20 years in prison and a fine of $25,000.
Collateral consequences of theft charges can affect many aspects of your life beyond any jail time or fines imposed by the court. For example, having a felony conviction could cost you the right to own a firearm. You could also struggle to find a job or adequate housing due to your criminal record. The good news is that you will not face any collateral consequences if you avoid a conviction. Let our Butler County legal team help you build a winning defense in your theft-related case.
If you are facing charges of unlawfully taking property in Butler County, there are several legal strategies that our skilled criminal defense attorney may use to fight the allegations. The most effective strategy depends on the facts of your case, the type of theft involved, and the available evidence.
One of the most common defenses is arguing that you did not intend to steal. To establish theft charges, the state requires proof that you knowingly and intentionally took property without permission. If you believed the item was yours or that you had permission to use it, the charge may not stand.
In cases involving shoplifting or theft from public places where a person is not caught in the act, prosecutors may use eyewitnesses or surveillance footage to identify suspects. If there is a chance you were misidentified or there is insufficient evidence linking you to the crime, this defense could be effective.
If you can show that you have a legitimate claim of ownership or a right to possess the item, this may negate the theft charge. This often comes up in cases where someone borrows an item but not all owners of the property were aware of that agreement.
The prosecution must prove every element of theft beyond a reasonable doubt. If evidence is weak, circumstantial, or unlawfully obtained, we could move to suppress it.
Theft charges can be distressing, but not every case leads to a conviction. You have an opportunity to fight back against these charges, and our team could help you secure the best possible outcome.
Let us discuss your situation during a private consultation and develop a defense strategy on your behalf. Contact our Butler County theft lawyer today.