Spartanburg Theft Lawyer

Theft charges are always serious, whether they stem from allegedly stealing cheap items to very expensive items. Every charge can result in a criminal record that could affect the rest of your life. Theft and larceny charges can quickly get worse when items are lumped together for aggregate value. In every case, you need and deserve the help of a skilled criminal defense lawyer.

A Spartanburg theft lawyer is ready and willing to help. Our firm can develop a defense that is unique to your situation.

What is Theft?

Under South Carolina law, there is not statute labeled “theft.” Rather, all offenses of theft are referred to as “larceny.” A larceny occurs when an item of value, no matter the value of the item, is taken from its rightful owner. It occurs where the taking is unlawful and it was the intent of the person taking the item to deprive the rightful owner of the item.

State law sets forth different types of larceny and theft. The offense will fall under certain provisions of the larceny statute, depending on the type of item taken, its value, or other considerations. A knowledgeable theft attorney can guide a defendant through the possible charges they could face.

Shoplifting Offenses

Shoplifting is a type of theft crime that is specifically targeted at retail stores. Shoplifting can occur in several different ways, including:

  • Removing, altering, or switching price tags
  • Stealing items from a store without paying their full value
  • Moving items to different containers in order to pay less than their full value

A shoplifting offense can lead to severe penalties that mirror those for theft. These punishments depend on the value of the merchandise taken. With the help of a strong defense, a defendant may be able to avoid many of the worst potential punishments.

Degrees of Theft

Different levels of theft and larceny exist depending on the value of the item stolen. They range from most severe to least severe, depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

Grand Larceny

Grand larceny occurs in one of two ways, but it is always a felony offense. When the value of services or property taken are valued at above $2,000 but are still less than $10,000, the offense carries a potential five year prison sentence and an additional fine. When the services or property value at more than $10,000, the penalties increase to up to ten years in state prison and an accompanying fine.

Petit Larceny

Petit larceny occurs when a theft or services or property remains at $2,000 or less in value. Also commonly called petty theft, this offense is still serious, as it carries a potential jail sentence and fine. If convicted of the offense, a person can face up to a $1,000 fine and up to thirty days in jail.

No matter the level of the theft offense, a defense that is tailored to the unique situation is critical to protecting the defendant’s constitutional rights.

A Spartanburg Theft Attorney is Ready to Help

Theft offenses may result in prison sentences, high fines, and the loss of certain constitutional rights. No matter the level of offense you face, it is important to push back on the charges against you.

A Spartanburg theft attorney is ready and willing to help defend your case. Contact us today for a consultation.