Theft: What is the law, what are the legal consequences, and what should you do?
What is the law?
Theft ranges from as low as a Class C Misdemeanor to a 1st Degree felony depending on several factors including the amount stolen, the type of thing stolen, and from who.
What are the consequences?
The severity of the charge depends on several factors such as the total value of the amount stolen and the accused person’s past criminal history.
Theft is a Class C misdemeanor if the total value of what was stolen was less than $100. This is the lowest criminal punishment category and can be punishable by up to a $500 fine but cannot result in jail time. This offense is treated essentially the same way as a traffic ticket. Please keep in mind that even a Class C Theft conviction will still have much more serious consequences for you than a speeding ticket.
It is a Class B Misdemeanor if the total value of the amount stolen is greater than or equal to $100 but less than $750. This is punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and up to 180 days in the county jail.
Theft is a Class A Misdemeanor if the total value of the amount stolen is greater than or equal to $750 but less than $2,500. This is punishable by up to a $4,000 fine and up to 365 days in the county jail.
Typically, shoplifting will fall into one of these three categories of Misdemeanor theft. However, under certain circumstances, even a low-level theft can be enhanced to a felony if the accused has two or more prior theft convictions.
In addition to the fines and jail time, there are other significant consequences that might come with a theft conviction. These consequences include:
- Loss of public housing
- Loss of TANF (Food Stamps)
- Loss of eligibility to serve on a jury
- Loss of professional licenses (e.g. Teaching)
- Ineligibility to serve in the military
- An increased chance that your lease application will be denied
- An increased chance that Student Loan applications will be denied.
What should you do if you are charged with Theft?
If you have been arrested or charged with theft or shoplifting, you will need an experienced attorney to guide you through the process and help you get the best deal possible. Contact Carter Criminal Defense today.