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Criminal Defense Attorney for Theft Crimes in Shreveport & the Surrounding Areas
Theft is one of the most common crimes committed across the country, and charges can range from very minor shoplifting offenses to serious white-collar crimes. If you have been accused of a theft crime, Shreveport criminal defense attorney Joseph Greenwald can help protect you, your criminal record, and your freedom in the face of these charges. Call our law office at (318) 219-7867 to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Greenwald regarding your case today.
Types of Theft Charges in Louisiana
Theft comes in a number of shapes and sizes, depending on the type of property that was stolen and the context in which the property was stolen. Additionally, the severity of the criminal charges often depends on the alleged value of the property stolen and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
Felony Theft in Louisiana
Felony theft cases are the most serious theft crimes a person can commit. In order for a theft crime to be deemed a felony, a person has to steal property valued at over $1,000.
Misdemeanor Theft in Louisiana
Someone may be given a misdemeanor theft charge if they steal property with a value between $500 and $1000. While misdemeanor theft may be less serious than felony theft, misdemeanor crimes can still have serious and long-lasting consequences.
Shoplifting
Shoplifting is the crime of taking merchandise from a retail establishment without paying for it. Many retailers employ various security measures to combat shoplifting, but it is still a serious issue in Louisiana and across the country. The penalties for a petty shoplifting charge can be minor, but felony shoplifting charges can have very serious consequences.
See our blog post: Can I Be Arrested for Shoplifting After Leaving the Store?
Possession of Stolen Goods
People don’t have to personally commit theft to be accused of a theft crime–simply owning stolen property can carry criminal charges. The crime of possession of stolen goods involves knowingly receiving, possessing, concealing, or disposing of property that has been unlawfully obtained by theft or other criminal means.
Grand Theft Auto
Some Louisiana theft cases involve theft of valuable property like a car, truck, or other vehicle. Grand theft auto (GTA) refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s motor vehicle and is a serious criminal offense. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the theft, the crime can be elevated to aggravated grand theft auto.
Robbery / Armed Robbery
Robbery is a criminal offense and involves intentionally taking another person’s property through force, intimidation, or threat of violence. The crime can be elevated to armed robbery if the perpetrator uses a weapon to rob someone.
See our blog post: Burglary, Theft, and Robbery: Main Differences
White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes encompass a range of non-violent, financially motivated offenses typically committed by individuals, businesses, or government professionals. These crimes may include embezzlement, fraud, insider trading, identity theft, and other deceptive practices. Perpetrators of white-collar crimes often exploit positions of trust and power to gain illicit financial advantages through fraudulent conduct.
What are the Penalties for Misdemeanor Theft Crimes in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, criminal penalties for theft crimes between $500 and $1000 can include a maximum sentence of up to 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or both. The penalties for misdemeanor crimes are less harsh than those for felonies, but they can still result in jail time and fines.
See our blog post: Should I Hire a Lawyer for Misdemeanor Charges?
What are the Penalties for Felony Theft Crimes in Louisiana?
Theft can result in a felony charge if the property that was stolen was worth more than $1,000, but the severity of the criminal penalties depends on the price of the stolen property. For example, someone who steals $1,500 worth of property will face a lighter sentence than someone who steals $25,000 worth of property.
Below are the different felony penalties for non-violent theft according to La. Rev. Stat. § 14:67.
- Theft of property worth between $1,000 and $5,000 can result in up to 5 years in prison, $3,000 in fines, or both.
- Theft of property worth between $5,000 and $25,000 can result in up to 10 years in prison, $10,000 in fines, or both.
- Theft of property worth more than $25,000 can result in up to 20 years in prison, $50,000 in fines, or both.
Other Potential Consequences of a Louisiana Theft Conviction
As stated before, serious thefts can result in a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of hard labor in a state prison. However, that’s not the only consequence someone could face as a result of felony larceny.
In addition to the criminal penalties, someone charged with a felony crime will have a felony charge on their criminal record. This can prevent them from finding jobs, applying for housing, or acquiring loans for years after their release from prison. Not only that, but felony charges can have serious consequences on a person’s social life.
Those who commit larceny may also be sued in civil court by the victim, which could result in the perpetrator paying the victim restitution for the property they stole. This is in addition to any criminal fines they are required to pay. Additionally, those convicted of a felony lose their right to vote in public elections.
If you have been accused of felony larceny, you need the best legal representation possible. Luckily, Attorney Greenwald at Greenwald Law Firm is experienced in defending people against serious theft charges. This can help ensure that your record is clear of felony charges and secure your right to vote, find housing, secure employment, and more.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Theft Charges in Shreveport
In order to successfully defend against criminal charges like theft charges, you need an experienced attorney with an in-depth understanding of the Louisiana criminal justice system. A skilled attorney can assess all the evidence, challenge various legal procedures, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome.
Whether you’re accused of shoplifting, grand theft auto, or any other theft crime, having a knowledgeable advocate by your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair treatment throughout the legal process. If you have been accused of a theft crime in Shreveport or the surrounding areas, Attorney Joseph Greenwald is here to help defend your rights.
Call (318) 219-7867 to schedule a free initial case evaluation with Attorney Greenwald regarding your case.
Call a Shreveport Theft Lawyer at Greenwald Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Theft is a serious crime with serious consequences. As such, if you have been accused of theft, you need serious representation. Attorney Joseph W. Greenwald can walk you through the legal process and ensure you can make informed decisions regarding your situation. Not only that, but he will aggressively advocate for you, your rights, and your future both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Call (318) 219-7867 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team regarding your case today.