Cayce Theft Lawyer

Theft is an act of taking the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Crimes related to theft are generally referred to as larceny in South Carolina statutes. Because larceny is one of the more commonly charged crimes in Cayce, many individuals do not realize that the offense can have serious consequences.

However, an experienced Cayce theft lawyer will know that there are defenses that can be raised to fight these charges. Individuals facing theft charges should speak to a skilled defense attorney who has handled these types of cases and can provide advice on how to proceed to work toward the best possible resolution. Read on to learn more about how a professional Cayce theft lawyer could offer you assistance today.

Different Types of Larceny Crimes

Section 16-13-30 of the South Carolina criminal code defines two main types of larceny. Simple larceny of property valued at $2,000 or less is referred to as petty theft. Larceny of property worth more than $2,000 is known as grand larceny. Penalties are higher if the goods involved are worth $10,000 or more. Other theft crimes commonly seen in Cayce can include shoplifting, embezzlement, and retail theft. Reach out to a weathered defense attorney to learn more.

What Types of Property May Be Subject to Theft?

The language of the state larceny statute is very traditional in nature. Property that is subject to larceny may be generally thought of as personal property. Under the statute, the property that can be taken as part of a larceny charge includes:

  • Goods
  • Bank bills
  • Bills receivable (indicating a debt owed)
  • Chattels (traditionally referring to livestock)
  • Fixtures unlawfully took from real estate
  • Crops or other products of the soil harvested wrongfully
  • Credit cards

A separate statute, §16-13-35, specifies that any stolen credit cards will have a presumed value of at least $50. Credit cards are defined to include any identifying card, number, or device that enables an individual to obtain goods or services on credit. There are also different statutes governing the theft of articles such as bonds, livestock, automobiles, boats, bicycles, and even animals. An attorney in Cayce could further explain these theft charges.

Penalties for Grand and Petty Larceny

Any larceny arrest becomes a matter of public record, which can impact one’s housing, employment, and personal relations for years into the future. In addition, anyone charged with theft or larceny could be found to have civil liability to the owner of the property. If the goods were taken from a retail establishment, courts can impose an additional fine of up to $500 plus extra fines, referred to as restitution, if the property cannot be recovered in resaleable condition.

Criminal penalties for petty theft include up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. For grand theft of property worth between $2,000 and $10,000, the penalty increases to a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine set at the discretion of the court. In cases where the property is worth $10,000 or more, a convicted individual faces up to ten years of imprisonment. A lawyer in Cayce could build a defense that mitigates larceny penalties.

Reach Out to a Cayce Theft Attorney Today

Based on how courts have ruled in the past in similar circumstances, a knowledgeable lawyer will understand how to build the best defensive strategy for your unique situation. Your attorney will also advocate on your behalf at all stages of the proceedings and provide counsel to guide you toward the ideal resolution. Reach out to a Cayce theft lawyer today to schedule your initial consultation.

Cayce Theft Lawyer