Dallas NC Theft Crime Lawyer

Dallas NC Theft Attorney

You are likely dealing with an overwhelming amount of uncertainty if you or a loved one has been charged with theft. Though theft crimes are common throughout North Carolina, they are handled seriously, and anyone facing these charges should not take them lightly. Theft is one of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in North Carolina, meaning prosecutors are incredibly experienced with aggressively pursuing these kinds of charges. Depending on the severity of the charge and type of theft, a conviction can mean a long probation period, a significant fine, and a jail or prison sentence. It is necessary to act deliberately and decisively to prevent some or all these penalties, considering the life-long consequences of a theft conviction on your Dallas, NC criminal record.

Dallas Theft Defense Lawyer

Your first action after being arrested for theft should be to contact a Dallas theft defense lawyer. The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford has a strong track record of protecting our clients and ensuring the most favorable outcome in their theft cases. Our strategy is to be entirely truthful with our clients, ensuring you feel confident that you have the complete picture of all your options and their potential outcomes. Regardless of the circumstances of your case, we believe you deserve an attorney that will be an honest, aggressive champion of your rights.

The Severity of Theft Charges

Theft, or larceny, is the taking of another person’s property without obtaining their permission. Under North Carolina law, larcenies are typically considered a Class H felony unless there is a statute that specifically changes the crime to a misdemeanor or felony. The major difference between misdemeanor larceny and felony larceny is the value of the stolen property: misdemeanor larceny involves property valued at less than $1,000, while felony larceny involves property valued at over $1,000. The same distinction applies to misdemeanor and felony charges of possession of stolen goods.

Penalties for Theft Charges

The classification of theft charges is dependent on many factors, including the value of the stolen property, the victim, how the property was acquired, and any previous convictions. Once the severity of the crime has been determined, there are penalties for that level of charge.

• Class 3 Misdemeanor: Theft charged as a Class 3 Misdemeanor has a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a fine of $200. An example of this charge is shoplifting.
• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Larceny that falls in the Class 2 Misdemeanor category is punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. A second charge of shoplifting within three years from the first offense is an example of this charge.
• Class 1 Misdemeanor: Theft charged as a Class 1 Misdemeanor has a maximum penalty of up to 120 days in jail and a fine set at the discretion of the judge. An example of this charge is larceny of property worth less than $1,000.
• Class I Felony: Theft charged as a Class I Felony is punishable with a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months in prison. An example is the larceny of a dog.
• Class H Felony: Larceny that is categorized as a Class H Felony can be punished with a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 24 months in prison. An example is possession of stolen goods or larceny of $1,000 or more.
• Class F Felony: Theft charged as a Class F Felony is punishable with a minimum of 10 months and a maximum of 41 months in prison. An example of this charge is larceny of motor fuel.
• Class C Felony: Larceny that falls in the Class C Felony category is punishable with a minimum of 44 months and a maximum of 182 months in prison. An example is embezzlement of $100,000 or more.

FAQs About Dallas, NC Theft Crimes Laws

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The court system can be difficult to navigate, especially when you or a loved one is facing a theft charge. The outcome of a theft conviction can be financially costly with fines and also rob you of your freedom if you are placed in jail or prison. A conviction also has lifelong effects, as a criminal record can affect your ability to find housing or get a job.

What Is the Penalty for Shoplifting?

Shoplifting is described as removing merchandise from a store without paying the entire price set by the store. The penalty for shoplifting depends on the value of the stolen property and the accused’s number of prior convictions. Stolen property with a lower value will result in a misdemeanor charge that has lower penalties than a felony charge.

What Are Examples of Theft in North Carolina?

Several crimes fall under the theft and larceny umbrella in North Carolina. A few of the more common crimes include shoplifting, possession of stolen goods, misdemeanor larceny, felony larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses, and burglary. It is incredibly important that the defense attorney you choose to defend you has experience defending clients with a similar charge to yours.

What Is the Punishment for Theft in North Carolina?

The punishment for theft depends on many factors, including what was stolen, the value of the property stolen, the victim, and if the accused has a prior criminal record. Depending on the situation, the outcome of a conviction in your case could be anything between community service and over ten years in prison.

Defending Against Theft Charges

Many different defenses could be used to either reduce or dismiss the charges you are facing, but it will require an experienced and skilled attorney to competently navigate the complexities of the law and court processes. The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford is committed to helping you succeed with your case by finding the best potential outcome and aggressively working toward it. If you or a loved one is facing theft or larceny charges, your best chance of effectively handling these charges begins with contacting us for a consultation.