Facing a theft charge can be an intense and traumatic situation. Sometimes, it can be a case of mistaken identity. Other times, you were at the wrong place and at the wrong time. No matter the situation, having legal counsel by your side is essential when facing a theft charge. A Chesapeake theft lawyer can help ease your case by preparing and presenting a persuasive defense.
Our criminal defense attorneys can walk you through the steps you need to take to protect yourself. Do not say anything that could lead to additional criminal charges while in custody or questioning. Let an attorney communicate and advocate for your rights.
Theft Law and Potential Penalties
Theft law is complex, and the penalties can be severe. It is complicated because it covers a multitude of offenses, and minor details can be the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge. Virginia refers to theft as larceny. The primary classifications of larceny in Virginia Code § 18.2 are:
- Grand larceny
- Petit larceny
- Larceny of certain animals and poultry
- Larceny of banknotes, checks, etc.
- Larceny of things fixed to the freehold
- Larceny with intent to sell or distribute
A theft attorney in Chesapeake can provide more detailed information on these six classifications. The two main charges typically used are petit and grand larceny. A person can be charged with taking or merely possessing items considered stolen.
Petit larceny occurs when a person allegedly has taken something worth five dollars or less from a person or items from a place worth $999 or less. This criminal charge is usually a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
A person commits grand larceny when they take property worth at least five dollars directly off another or belongings from an establishment worth $1,000 or more. Grand larceny charges involving taking possession of guns or cars from a person’s home are common. Grand larceny is a felony, and a person accused can face stiff consequences. Penalties are anywhere from one to twenty years in jail, and fines may exceed $2,500.
Defenses to a Larceny Charge
An effective theft lawyer in Chesapeake can raise several defenses to win cases for those accused of larceny. Some of the most common defenses are witness misidentification, that the property belonged to the accused, that the accused was dealing with extreme life hardships, or the value of the property has not been established.
When you are charged with a larceny charge, an attorney at Parks Zeigler, PLLC, can help you prepare a comprehensive and persuasive defense.
Build a Defense With a Chesapeake Theft Attorney
Theft includes a range of charges that can be hard to decipher. You need a knowledgeable attorney from Parks Zeigler, PLLC, on your side to guide you through building a defense. For information about this and possible representation in a larceny case, contact a Chesapeake theft lawyer.
