Augusta Theft Crimes Lawyer Working Hard to Win Your Freedom

There’s a wide range of crimes that fall under the theft umbrella. From robbery to shoplifting, charges can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Depending on the severity of the crime, the punishment could be a fine or years in prison. If you’ve been charged with theft, robbery, shoplifting, or any similar crime, it’s important for you to enlist the help of a seasoned Augusta theft lawyer who has a record of successfully defending those accused of theft.

What is Considered a Theft Crime?

The simple definition is that a crime is considered theft when something is taken without the owner’s consent. There’s even a world where an individual could be charged with theft even if they don’t successfully get away with the stolen object. If an object is moved without the consent of the owner, the judge could be convinced there was an intent to steal. When it comes to theft, you often hear the term “shoplifting”. Shoplifting is simply a theft that specifically took place at a business or retail store, vs. someone’s private property. Shoplifting is exactly like theft when it comes to the factors the court will take into consideration. In fact, in most states, there isn’t a specific crime called “shoplifting”. Every theft crime is just considered theft. A theft lawyer will be able to look at the specifics surrounding your case and determine what you’re facing.

What is the Punishment for Theft?

If you’ve been accused of a theft crime, it will first and foremost come down to the value of the objects that were taken. Smaller items like a pair of jeans or a book will be considered a misdemeanor. That’s a fairly minor crime, but it can easily be escalated if the value of the objects goes higher, even over $1000, such as high-end electronics, will change the potential punishment. If the stolen items are high value, such as a car, it would be a felony, which is a different situation entirely. Lastly, if you have prior convictions on your criminal record, the potential penalties will skyrocket. Whether the crime you committed is a misdemeanor or a felony, having a theft lawyer will be well worth it in the long run.

What Are Common Defenses Against Theft Charges?

There are a lot of different defense strategies your theft attorney may choose to use against your theft charge. Maybe the wrong person was accused, or maybe it was an accident. To be convicted of a theft crime, the prosecution must prove without a reasonable doubt that you intentionally set out to commit theft by taking an object without their consent. If you’d like to hear more about what your best defense might be, an experienced criminal defense attorney can look at the details surrounding your case and determine how you should move forward.

Do I Need to Work with a Criminal Defense Attorney?

Hiring the right attorney to defend against felony theft charges is pivotal, but even if you’re only being charged with a minor theft offense, you’ll want to do whatever it takes to avoid criminal charges. Making wrong moves when your freedom is on the line could be devastating. While many theft crimes are a misdemeanor, having a theft conviction at all on your personal record could make employers less likely to trust you and there could be a sense of shame from your friends and family.

You want a theft lawyer with years of experience who knows Augusta’s theft laws and will fight next to you. The Hawk Firm won’t stop until we’ve done everything in our power to get your charges lowered or dropped. Contact us today at 706-429-5529 to start crafting your defense.