Theft or larceny is a serious crime that involves illegally taking or using property that belongs to another person. When arrested for theft, you may have been facing a petty theft, grand theft charge. These main categories have various kinds that come with basic elements and different punishments. An experienced winder criminal law lawyer can help you build a strong defense if you have been charged with any of the following types of theft:

 Petty Theft or Grand Theft

These kinds of theft differ in terms of the value of the stolen property. You may be facing a petty theft charge if you took money or property valued at less than $950. This act is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum punishment of up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1, 000. A defense attorney can get a plea bargain and plea down the misdemeanor or petty larceny charge when the person doesn’t have a prior criminal history or they were young with a limited prior criminal history. 

Grand theft involves taking money or property valued at more than $950. It can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment for this is three years in state prison and a fine of up to $1, 000.

Robbery

This type of theft involves using violence, threats, or intimidation to obtain property. Usually, this crime carries a heavier penalty than regular larceny because of the added element of threat. If the thief uses a gun, knife, or other weapons during a theft, it is called an armed robbery. 

Fraud

This kind of theft happens when somebody deceives another party, coercing them into giving up their property willingly; however, under false pretense. Although fraud does not usually involve violence, it is serious and life-changing. 

Embezzlement

This refers to the theft of assets by an individual who has been trusted to keep them safe. Embezzlement usually happens in employment and corporate settings. 

Identity Theft

Identity theft has become a common crime, with the influx of hackers and the prevalence of technology. It occurs when somebody uses another person’s name, credit card, bank account, or other persona identifiers without permission. This kind of crime can leave devastating, long-lasting effects on the victims. 

Carjacking

This happens when a person uses violence to take another party’s vehicle. Sometimes, the person uses actual force. In other instances, the reasonable fear of force is sufficient to prove the crime occurred. 

Lashandra Holder