Understanding the charges, rules and regulations of theft can be cumbersome. At The Blumenreich Law Firm, we want to clarify a few things. Breaking down the different types of theft and potential sentencing is important in understanding how the law works. There are two main types of theft: petty and grand. This is dependent on the extremity of the crime committed, which we will explain. Additionally, a ruling on theft will rely heavily on different factors such as the defendant’s history, age, etc. All of this then helps determine what the ultimate sentence is.
First, let us discuss the difference between petty and grand theft. Petty theft is when something is stolen of lesser value. This value is primarily dependent on the current market. Petty theft is considered to be more of a minor crime, and, thus, can be classified as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are usually dealt with through fines or a short jail time of less than a year. Grand theft, then, is when something is stolen of greater value. Again, this depends on market status. Grand theft is more severe than petty theft and is classified as a felony, which sees more repercussions than a misdemeanor.
Theft and property crimes are based on misconducts such as the following.
- Carjacking
- Burglary
- Shoplifting
- Forgery
- Credit card theft
- Identity theft
- Breaking and entering
- Receiving stolen goods
- Embezzlement
Regardless of the charge, however, different key factors come into play in regards to the penalty. For instance, the ruling depends on several components as illustrated below.
- An offender’s criminal history – if it is a first offense, chances are the punishment will be less severe or potentially cleared altogether
- A sympathetic judge – this refers to mitigating, when the ruler feels the need to make the sentence less severe based on the defendant’s circumstances
- Age – whether or not the defendant is a minor (under 18)
Depending on the crime’s severity, sentences may include the following.
- Fine
- Restitution
- Probation
- Jail time
With an eager and experienced defense attorney like Josh Blumenreich, it is easy to seek legal counsel. He and his firm are guaranteed to work their hardest to support their clients and their clients’ records. So if you find yourself arrested on charges of theft, contact The Blumenreich Law Firm, or sign up for a free consultation to receive immediate assistance. We understand the importance of providing fairness and confidentiality. Call us today at 602-252-2570 to receive the legal protection that you deserve.