Danbury Theft Crime Attorneys

Understanding Theft Charges

Theft is the act of taking or using someone else's property without their permission and with the intent of permanently depriving the victim of the property. Theft is also knowingly receiving stolen property. Theft crimes range from shoplifting to violent crimes such as armed robbery to corporate crimes such as embezzlement and fraud to cyber crimes such as identity theft. Depending on the value of the items taken, the crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Convictions result in varying degrees of jail or prison terms, fines, restitution and community service. Extremely high fines, lengthy prison sentences, and extensive community service requirements are levied for felony offenses.

Being accused of a theft crime is a very serious situation and you need to retain an experienced Danbury theft crime defense lawyer who is familiar with cases of this type who have the skills necessary to mount a successful defense. Schedule your free consultation.

Connecticut Theft Laws

Theft is either considered a misdemeanor or a felony offense in Connecticut. Which one depends on the dollar value of the property involved in the offense.

What is Sixth Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property valued at $500 or less, then you will face a Class C misdemeanor.

What is Fifth Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property worth between more than $500 and $1,000, then the offense is Class B misdemeanor.

What is Fourth Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property valued between more than a $1,000 and $2,000, then you will face a Class A misdemeanor.

What is Third Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property worth between more than $2,000 and $10,000, then the offense is a Class D felony.

What is Second Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property worth more than $10,000, then you will face a Class C felony.

What is First Degree Theft?

If the alleged theft crime involved property valued at more than $20,000, then the offense is a Class B felony.

Theft crimes are investigated and prosecuted vigorously. You can be sure that the prosecution will do everything it can to get a conviction with the most severe penalties available to them. A solid defense is your only hope of mitigating the harsh consequences of a conviction.

Danbury Attorney Defending Against Theft Crimes

Whether you have been charged with petty theft or grand larceny, there are definite avenues of defense. Petty theft is commonly associated with shoplifting and a common defense is that the offender meant to pay and mistakenly pocketed the item instead. In other theft cases, the intent to permanently deprive the owner can be questioned. When the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the possession of the item cannot be established, if the item was merely borrowed with the intent to return it, then theft cannot be proven. Clearly, there are a number of ways to approach the defense of a theft charge. Each case is unique and it takes an experienced theft charges lawyer to analyze the factors of your case and determine how to put together a defense that will hold up under the aggressive prosecution you can expect.

Contact a Danbury theft crime attorney if you have been charged with theft in the State of Connecticut.