Theft is a serious crime with serious consequences. Someone found guilty of a theft offense could find themselves with a felony conviction. A felony conviction can have a life-changing impact, resulting in the loss of certain freedoms, job opportunities, and housing opportunities as well. That is why it is imperative that you get in touch with a lawyer. A capable criminal attorney can look at all of the existing evidence, and use it to build a solid defense for you. Contact a Fredericksburg theft lawyer who can strive for a positive outcome for your case. En Español.
Theft itself is not what the Code of Virginia and the law of the city of Fredericksburg codifies as being against the rules. It is more broadly known as larceny. Theft and larceny are interchangeable terms. Larceny can be found in multiple places throughout the state of Virginia. The most notable larceny offenses are petit larceny, which is a misdemeanor found in Virginia Code Section 18.2-96 and grand larceny, found in Section 18.2-95 and is a felony offense. Many other types of larceny or theft offenses are penalized by the same penalties found in the petit larceny and grand larceny code sections respectively.
For someone to be found guilty of a theft offense or a larceny offense, they must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt for each of the elements of the offense. This includes the identity, the method of evaluation of the alleged item or items taken or acquired, and that the person had a resolute intent to do so. Certain types of theft may require the specific intent to keep the item more permanently.
In Fredericksburg as in the rest of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there are many different offenses that come under the larger umbrella of theft or larceny offenses. These include petit larceny, grand larceny, embezzlement, obtaining money or goods by false pretenses, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle or property, grand theft auto, check fraud, credit card larceny, and credit card fraud.
Theft is a serious offense. The most severe types of theft charges such as grand larceny are unclassified felonies. This means they are punishable by up to 20 years in prison or, at the court’s discretion, 12 months in jail and/or a fine. When theft offenses carry a loss of liberty, a person should always have an experienced advocate on their side. In addition, even minor theft offenses like petit larceny or embezzlement in which the alleged embezzlement is under $200 are still Class 1 misdemeanors. Class 1 misdemeanors could result in a person going to jail for up to 12 months, a fine of $2,500, or a combination thereof. Because the person has a valid exposure to real loss of liberty, high fines, and potential criminal history that cannot be expunged, it is important to talk to a Fredericksburg theft lawyer right away.
If a person is charged with theft or believes they may be imminently charged with a theft-based offense, they should contact a criminal defense attorney right away. It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to make sure that the person’s interests are protected, and the person does not make statements against those interests. The attorney can ensure that the person has the ability to preserve and protect potentially vital evidence that can be considered down the road.
When a person contacts an attorney’s office to discuss theft charges, they should look for an experienced, knowledgeable, and local attorney who understands the rules and procedures in a Fredericksburg theft charge. A Fredericksburg theft lawyer can ask the person specific questions that they should be prepared to answer to the best of their ability. This may include questions about the nature of the offense, any documentation the person received, and whether there are criminal warrants, summonses, indictments, and things of that nature. Every attorney conducts the initial interview differently but will ask if the person was contacted for a theft charge.
If you have been charged with a theft-based offense, you should hire an attorney because you face serious and potentially life-altering consequences. In addition to the loss of liberties and fines, you may also end up with a criminal record that stays with you for the rest of your life. In addition, if you have an immigration status in theft cases and a theft-based conviction, there can be adverse immigration consequences. You should talk to a Fredericksburg theft lawyer about what these consequences may be, how they may affect the case, and what can be done to try and diminish all the potential negative consequences.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
