Prince William County Theft Lawyer
At its simplest, theft is defined as the taking of another’s property or money. However, because of several variables, there are a number of property crimes that fall under the umbrella of theft. From misdemeanor shoplifting charges to felony embezzlement charges, the crimes vary in their severity, and their punishments vary accordingly. Criminal penalties for theft crimes may include restitution to the victim or victims, fines, and jail or prison sentences. Being convicted of theft can ruin one’s reputation and destroy professional credibility. If you or someone you love has been accused of taking something that does not belong to you, it is important to contact a Prince William theft attorney who can help you fight a criminal charge. If you need a Prince William criminal attorney for other reasons, here is more information for your convenience.
Elements of Theft
“Theft” is a broad term encompassing a number of actions in which a defendant deprives a victim of his or her rightful property. Penalties for theft crimes are dependent on the value of money or property taken. For example, a juvenile who shoplifts a $50 video game will reap a lighter sentence than a business employee who embezzles thousands of dollars from his or her employer. In Virginia, the distinction between misdemeanor theft, or petty larceny, and felony theft, or grand larceny comes at a much lower dollar value than in other states. If the value of stolen cash, merchandise, or property exceeds $500, theft is charged as a felony.
A Prince William theft attorney handles the defense for clients accused of stealing in Dale City, Dumfries, Manassas, Occoquan, Quantico, and throughout the county. A theft defense lawyer represents defendants in both felony and misdemeanor cases, including:
- Auto Theft
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Grand Theft
- Petty Theft
- Robbery
- Shoplifting
Whether challenging the value of property to negotiate a reduced charge or launching an aggressive defense of lients’ innocence at trial, your Prince William County theft lawyer can carefully tailor a defense in the best interest of each defendant and his or her unique circumstance.
Consequences of Theft Convictions
Theft crime convictions carry serious legal penalties and collateral consequences that can significantly impact an individual’s life. Legally, theft crimes are classified based on the value of the stolen property. For instance, petit larceny, involving property valued at less than $1,000, is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Conversely, grand larceny, involving property valued at $1,000 or more, is classified as a felony, potentially leading to imprisonment for one to 20 years per Va. Code § 18.2-95.
Beyond legal penalties, theft convictions can result in consequences such as difficulty securing employment, housing, and professional licenses due to the criminal record. Additionally, individuals may face social stigma and challenges in personal relationships. A knowledgeable theft lawyer in Prince William County could navigate these complexities and explore potential defenses or mitigating factors that could reduce the severity of the potential penalties and consequences.
Dedicated Prince William County Theft Lawyers
To some Prince William County theft lawyers, you may be little more than a case number., on the other hand, is committed to providing you with top-notch legal services and the personal attention necessary to build a favorable attorney/client relationship. She will provide careful analysis of your case to determine the best way to proceed with your case, and she will advise you of the pros and cons of each decision related to your defense.
Build a Defense
As you face the court hearings and potentially a criminal trial, you need to find a theft lawyer in Prince William County who has the experience and courtroom savvy to successfully handle your case. Instead of endlessly searching through the pool of potential Prince William County theft attorneys, minimize the process by calling a theft attorney for a free, confidential consultation of your case. When you hire an attorney on our team, you provide yourself with professional defense counsel as you stand before the Prince William General District Court in Manassas, Virginia.