Salt Lake City Theft Crimes Defense Attorney

What Is Theft?

Theft is defined as a person who obtains or exercises unauthorized control over the property of another with a purpose to deprive them thereof.

It can be committed via deception or extortion and can include property such as:

• Motor vehicle fuel
• Lost property
• Services
• Cable television services
• Rental vehicles
• And anything of personal or economic value

In cases involving theft and fraud, I understand that your freedom and reputation are at stake. Your career can end in a split second following an arrest for embezzlement.

An allegation for shoplifting or credit card fraud can change your life. It’s fair to say that a theft crime conviction could seriously hurt your livelihood. Thus, you need a compassionate yet aggressive defense lawyer to best prevent you from suffering from damaging punishments and a criminal record.

Contact my Salt Lake City criminal defense law firm at (801) 448-0683 to learn more about your theft charges. I offer 30-minute video consultations at no cost.

What Are the Most Common Theft Crimes?

Common theft crimes include:

• Larceny
• Identity theft
• Shoplifting
• Robbery
• And fraud

Although these crimes involve theft, these crimes are all executed differently.

What Are the Penalties for Theft?

As such, the penalties vary depending on the value of the stolen property, type of crime and your prior criminal history, if applicable.

Your theft crime penalties may include:

Second-Degree Felony

• Value of the property or services is or exceeds $5,000
• Property stolen is a firearm or an operable motor vehicle
• Property is stolen from the person of another

Third-Degree Felony

• Value of the property or services is $1,500 to $5,000
• Value of the property or services is at least $500, and you have been convicted twice before of the following offenses within 10 years before your current conviction or offense date, and at least one of those prior convictions was a class A misdemeanor:
  • Any theft, robbery, or burglary with intent to commit theft, or fraud

• Value of the property is $500 to $1,500
  • Theft occurs on a property where you have committed any theft within the past five years
  • You have received written notice from the merchant prohibiting you from entering the property
• You have been previously convicted of a certain felony violation and if the offense was committed within 10 years before your current conviction or the date of your offense

Class A Misdemeanor

• Value of the property stolen is $500 to $1,500
• Value of the property stolen is less than $500 and:
  • Occurs on a property where you have committed any theft within the past 5 years
  • You have received written notice from the merchant prohibiting you from entering the property
• You have been convicted twice before of certain offenses within 10 years before your current conviction or offense date

Class B Misdemeanor

• Value of the property stolen is less than $500 and isn’t classified as a certain offense

Understanding the Elements of Theft Crimes

When facing theft charges, it is important to understand the elements of the crime and how they can impact your case. Theft generally involves the intentional taking of someone else's property without their consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of that property. However, the specific elements can vary depending on the type of theft crime.

Some common elements of theft crimes include:

• Unlawful taking: This refers to the act of physically removing or obtaining control over someone else's property without permission.
• Intent to deprive: The prosecution must prove that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
• Ownership: The property must belong to someone else, and you must have known that it was not yours.
• Value: The value of the stolen property may impact the severity of the charges and potential penalties.

By understanding these elements, you can better navigate your theft defense case with the help of our experienced Salt Lake City theft crimes defense attorney. We will thoroughly analyze the details of your situation and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Theft Defense in Salt Lake City from a Former Judge Pro Tem

My areas of practice for theft and fraud crimes include:

Retail theft and shoplifting: A criminal record can impact a job search or result in fines or a jail sentence. You may feel embarrassed and want to handle the matter in a manner that is best to protect your future. I handle these cases efficiently and pursue the best outcome, including restitution to keep your criminal record clean.

Embezzlement and fraud: Although embezzlement isn’t violent, it can be penalized as if it were. As such, I will work to mitigate your possible consequences by utilizing effective defense strategies and compelling evidence.

Check fraud: Check fraud is not only a serious criminal offense, but it also shows dishonesty and a lack of trustworthiness. Juveniles may face serious challenges in being admitted to a college. My job is to get the facts of the case and fight for the best result to minimize the consequences.

Credit card fraud: Theft or illegal use of a credit card for use in a store or online can result in serious charges of identity theft. Manufacturing fake credit cards or forging an application can lead to high-level state and federal felony charges. I bring experience and legal knowledge in handling all aspects of these complex theft cases at the misdemeanor and felony levels.

Investor and mortgage fraud: Prosecutors aggressively pursue criminal charges against crimes of investor and mortgage fraud. As an experienced Salt Lake City theft lawyer, my job is to respond with an equal level of aggression.

Robbery: Robbery is a felony and includes violence or the threat of violence. It is an extremely serious charge that requires a tough defense.

Put 20+ Years of Experience on Your Side

The longer you wait to proactively confront your theft charge, the longer the prosecution has to devise their strategy against you. As a former judge pro tem, I know how the other side of the table operates and can prepare compelling defense strategies as a result. Count on me to work tirelessly to advocate for your best interests.

Reach out to me, Catherine Cleveland, at (801) 448-0683 or contact me online to fight for your rights. Free phone consultation!