Charleston Theft Crime Attorney
You Deserve an Experienced Lawyer in Your Corner
The Charleston theft crimes lawyer of Sanders Law Firm, LLC has been practicing criminal defense since 1999. Our team has seen the various ways a simple offense or misunderstanding can be blown out of proportion. We know the impact these charges can have on your future and dedicate significant time and energy to every case to ensure that our clients’ rights are protected.
You can tell us more about the details of your arrest during a consultation. Call (843) 573-8828 to schedule an appointment.
Understanding Theft Crime
Theft crimes can be penalized in different ways. The value of the stolen property plays a large role in how courts treat theft. In South Carolina, theft and larceny are categorized as either petty or grand:
- Petit Larceny/Theft – If the alleged stolen property is valued below $2,000 then the crime is considered petty. In SC, petty theft penalties include up to 30 days in prison or fines up to $1,000.
- Grand Larceny/Theft (under $10,000) – This is considered a felony offense and applies to allegedly stolen property valued between $2,000 and $10,000. Penalties include up to 5 years in prison or fines.
- Grand Larceny/Theft (over $10,000) – For serious theft crimes, the defendant could be facing up to 10 years in prison or extremely high fines.
Defending Yourself from Theft Charges
Intent plays a major role in theft crime prosecution. Taking someone else’s mail or purchasing stolen property could result in you being charged for theft, but the prosecution must prove that you knowingly committed a criminal act at the time. The defendant’s state of mind is also taken into consideration. For instance, it is extremely common for someone who is drunk to take property that is not theirs without realizing it as a result of their inebriated state. So long as it can be proven that you were not in your right mind at the time of the theft the court may be willing to excuse the action.
Many people ask if they can still be charged for theft if they return the item in question. The short answer is, yes, you can still be prosecuted even if the stolen property has been returned. That is not to say, however, that returning the item does you no good. Courts are often more sympathetic to defendants who take the initiative to return the item without being forced to, but they are under no obligation to show you leniency. Discuss your options with your attorney before returning any allegedly stolen property. Your legal counsel is required to keep your information confidential.
Reach out to Sanders Law Firm, LLC Today
No matter the severity of the charge, you should always discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney after being arrested. Our Charleston criminal defense lawyer is a former prosecutor and can provide valuable insight as to how these cases play out from both sides.
We devote personal time and attention to each and every client. Call Sanders Law Firm, LLC today at (843) 573-8828.
