Misdemeanor theft may appear to be a minor offense on the surface. We advise you to take any criminal charge seriously at Simmons Wagner, LLP. The truth is that if you are convicted of this offense, you could face jail time and hefty fines. It’s possible that you’ll be forced to pay reparations to the alleged victim. Continue reading to discover more about the charge, and then contact us for a free legal consultation at (949) 439-5857.
Theft case studies
Let’s start by defining what it means to steal. Receiving stolen property, taking property that belongs to another person, or using a company’s services without paying for them are all examples of this offense, which can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Please keep in mind that these are only a few cases of stealing. You may count on Simmons Wagner, LLP to assist you with any theft accusations, no matter how serious they are.
Violations of misdemeanor theft
Misdemeanor theft is divided into three categories. Class A thefts are those in which the stolen property or service is worth between $500 and $1,500. Unless the service or property was obtained via check or electronic debit card, in which case the value range is between $20 and $500, a Class B theft charge involves property or services worth more than $50 but less than $500.
A Class C misdemeanor is the least serious of the offenses, and it involves services or property worth less than $20 purchased via check or electronic debit, or any other service or item worth less than $50.
Penalties for theft as a misdemeanor
As you might expect, the particular penalty you’ll face if you’re convicted of stealing may vary depending on the accusation. A Class A misdemeanor theft conviction can result in fines of up to $4,000 and a year in prison. If you are a habitual criminal offender, the minimum sentence for this crime is 90 days in prison.
Those convicted of a Class B misdemeanor theft will be sentenced to at least 30 days in prison. Others who are convicted of this offense face fines of up to $2,000 and a maximum sentence of 180 days in prison. A Class C theft misdemeanor has a maximum punishment of $500 and no jail time, unless the perpetrator is a persistent offender, in which case they could face up to 180 days in prison.
Why do you need an attorney if you’ve been charged with these offenses?
Consider that this conviction will land up on your criminal record if the prospective jail time and fines aren’t enough to convince you to employ an attorney. Do you want to pass a background check the next time you want to get a new job, a new home, a loan, a mortgage, or any other reason, or do you want to explain it to a potentially unfriendly person who holds your future in their hands?
Request a free legal consultation from Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 and let us assist you dramatically decrease the repercussions of your theft accusation.