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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Theft is a crime that involves taking someone else’s property without their consent. Depending on the value of the property and the circumstances of the crime, theft charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. In this article, we will explore 10 different types of theft charges, explain what they mean, and provide some examples.
Petty Theft
Petty theft, also known as petit larceny, is a misdemeanor theft charge that involves stealing property with a value under a certain threshold. The threshold can vary by state but is usually around $500. Petty theft charges typically carry a sentence of up to one year in jail and fines.
Examples of petty theft include stealing items from a store, taking someone’s bicycle, or shoplifting.
Grand Theft
Grand theft is a felony theft charge that involves stealing property with a value over a certain threshold. The threshold can vary by state but is usually around $500 to $1,000. Grand theft charges carry more severe penalties than petty theft charges, including prison sentences and fines.
Examples of grand theft include stealing a car, stealing jewelry or electronics, or stealing a large amount of money.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is a type of theft that involves taking property that was entrusted to you by someone else. This can include stealing money from an employer, misusing funds from a charity, or taking money from a client’s account.
Embezzlement charges are typically felonies and carry severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is a type of theft that involves stealing someone’s personal information, such as their name, social security number, or credit card information, and using it to make fraudulent purchases or open new accounts in their name.
Identity theft charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime and the value of the property stolen.
Robbery
Robbery is a type of theft that involves using force or the threat of force to take someone’s property. This can include mugging someone on the street, breaking into someone’s home and stealing their belongings, or robbing a store.
Robbery charges are typically felonies and carry severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines.
Burglary
Burglary is a type of theft that involves breaking into someone’s property with the intent to steal their belongings. This can include breaking into someone’s home, office, or car.
Burglary charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime and the value of the property stolen.
Auto Theft
Auto theft is a type of theft that involves stealing a vehicle. This can include stealing a car, truck, or motorcycle.
Auto theft charges are typically felonies and carry severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines.
Fraud
Fraud is a type of theft that involves using deception to gain access to someone else’s property. This can include writing bad checks, using someone else’s credit card without their permission, or running a Ponzi scheme.
Fraud charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime and the value of the property stolen.
Receiving Stolen Property
Receiving stolen property is a type of theft that involves buying or receiving property that you know or should know was stolen. This can include buying a stolen bike off the street or accepting stolen goods from a friend.
Receiving stolen property charges can be either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity of the crime and the value of the property stolen.
Extortion
Extortion is a type of theft that involves using threats or coercion to gain something of value from someone else. This can include threatening to harm someone’s business unless they pay you money, or threatening to release embarrassing information unless someone gives you money.
Extortion charges are typically felonies and carry severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines.
Defenses to Theft Charges
If you have been charged with theft, there may be defenses that you can use to fight the charges. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of intent: If you did not intend to steal the property, you may be able to argue that you did not commit the crime.
- Mistake of fact: If you believed that the property was yours or that you had a right to take it, you may be able to argue that you did not commit theft.
- Consent: If the owner of the property gave you permission to take it, you may be able to argue that you did not commit theft.
- Entrapment: If you were encouraged or coerced by law enforcement to commit the crime, you may be able to argue that you were entrapped.
It is important to note that these defenses may not be applicable in every case and that the specifics of your situation will determine which defenses are available to you.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with theft, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you, explore possible defenses, and represent you in court.
Your attorney can also help negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce the charges or the penalties you face. Additionally, they can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process.
In conclusion, theft charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies and carry severe penalties. There are several types of theft charges, including petty theft, grand theft, embezzlement, identity theft, robbery, burglary, auto theft, fraud, receiving stolen property, and extortion.
If you have been charged with theft, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your charges, explore possible defenses, and represent you in court. By understanding the charges against you and working with a theft crimes defense lawyer, you can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair outcome in your case.
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