A client’s best interest is the top priority of a Theft Defense Lawyer in Kutztown PA. In many instances, a plea bargain with the prosecution is the best option. This is the case when the evidence is strong and going to court would pose a significant risk. In other instances, the lawyer finds problems with the prosecution’s case that could persuade the attorney to drop charges or a judge to throw the case out.
Broad Categories and Varying Penalties
There are varying levels of theft charges, with the main categories being misdemeanor and felony. Depending on the situation, a conviction of theft may result in a sentence of probation and community service or a relatively short time behind bars. In contrast, a judge can sentence defendants to many years in prison on conviction if the charge is severe enough. A theft defense lawyer in Kutztown PA provides aggressive legal defense to prevent the worst consequences.
Examples of Charges
Shoplifting tends to be a charge relatively low in severity, but that’s not always the case. Stealing $5,000 of jewelry from a store, for example, is obviously much more serious than taking a $500 cell phone or a $50 sweater. If the theft involved a threat to another person, such as armed robbery, the possible penalties are more serious.
Additional charges can be added to the theft offense charge. For instance, assaulting another person during a robbery is an additional offense. So is vandalizing a property after breaking and entering in addition to stealing valuable items. Sometimes, thieves are caught because they sold a stolen item to a pawn shop. The shop owner sends information on pawned goods to local law enforcement. Now the person is charged with theft, selling stolen goods, and providing false information to a pawnbroker.
There are many other kinds of theft too. Embezzlement from one’s employer is a crime. Employees often start with a relatively small amount, intending to pay it back quickly. Embezzlement may then become somewhat of an addiction as the person continues to take more and more money. A person charged with any type of theft may schedule an appointment with an organization like the Law Offices of Paul S. Missan.
