Theft Crime Defense Attorney
Defending against theft, burglary, robbery, and property crime charges
Theft & Property Crime Defense
Theft charges range from petty theft to grand theft, burglary, and robbery. These charges can result in significant fines, jail time, and permanent criminal records that affect employment and housing opportunities.
Classification of Theft Crimes in North Carolina
Misdemeanor Larceny - Under $1,000
Theft of property valued under $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days in jail. This includes shoplifting, employee theft, and theft of services. While classified as minor, multiple convictions can elevate future charges to felony level, and any theft conviction creates employment barriers.
Felony Larceny - Over $1,000
Theft of property exceeding $1,000 is a Class H felony carrying 4-8 months imprisonment for first offenders, up to 39 months for repeat offenders. This includes embezzlement, auto theft, and organized retail theft. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights, firearm possession, and professional licensing eligibility.
Breaking and Entering
Unlawfully entering property with intent to commit crime is a Class H felony. First-degree burglary (occupied dwelling at night) is a Class D felony with sentences up to 204 months. No actual theft required - intent alone suffices for conviction. These charges often accompany other offenses, compounding penalties.
Robbery - Theft by Force or Fear
Common law robbery is a Class G felony with 8-31 months imprisonment. Armed robbery is a Class D felony with mandatory minimum 38 months, maximum 204 months. Using or displaying weapons during theft triggers enhanced penalties and permanent firearm prohibition upon conviction.
Strategic Defense Against Theft Charges
Every theft case presents unique challenges requiring customized defense strategies. Our attorneys meticulously examine evidence, witness statements, and procedural compliance to identify weaknesses in prosecution's case. We negotiate aggressively for charge reductions while preparing thorough trial defenses.
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating no intent to permanently deprive owner of property
- Ownership Dispute: Establishing good faith belief in right to property
- Mistaken Identity: Challenging witness identification and surveillance evidence
- Value Disputes: Contesting property valuation to reduce felony to misdemeanor
- Consent Defense: Proving permission to take or use property
- Illegal Search: Suppressing evidence obtained through constitutional violations
- Entrapment: Showing law enforcement induced criminal conduct
- Mental State: Presenting diminished capacity or mistake of fact defenses
Collateral Consequences of Theft Convictions
Theft convictions carry severe long-term consequences beyond criminal penalties. Employers view theft convictions as indicators of dishonesty, making job searches extremely difficult. Professional licenses may be suspended or revoked. Immigration status can be jeopardized. Understanding these impacts is crucial for informed decision-making about your case. We consider all collateral consequences when developing defense strategies to protect your entire future.
Fight Theft Charges Aggressively
We challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and build strong defenses to protect your future from theft convictions.
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