Theft is the unlawful act of intentionally taking someone else’s property without consent to deprive them of it permanently. If you are charged with theft, you might be sentenced to prison, pay fines, restitution, and probation depending on the severity of your crime.
It is your right to have legal counsel to defend yourself if you have been charged with theft. A criminal defence lawyer Vancouver can provide you with the legal expertise you require throughout the procedure. They have a deep understanding of the federal and state laws regarding your charges and advise you accordingly.
Different thefts include:
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Burglary.
When a person enters into a building such as a home or an office illegally, through means such as physical force or fraud, with the intention to commit a crime such as theft, it is considered burglary.
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Robbery.
Robbery is when a person takes another person’s property from their person or in their presence, along with using violence or a threat of violence. Armed or aggravated robbery involves using a dangerous weapon and results in more severe penalties.
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Larceny.
The removal of a property that belongs to someone else for unlawful reasons and carrying it away to have control over it without the owner’s consent and the intention to deprive them of it permanently defines larceny. The value of the stolen property determines whether it is “grand” larceny or “petty” larceny. Grand larceny occurs when the value of the items is high, and petit larceny charges apply for lesser value stolen items.
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Embezzlement.
Often, people are given legal access to certain property or funds for specific purposes, but they misappropriate them and utilize them for personal profits. It involves violating the position of trust they are given for their unlawful gains. The type of property and its monetary value are some factors that affect the conviction.
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Shoplifting.
Taking merchandise from a store through unlawful means such as not paying for it, concealing it with the intention to steal, and manipulating price tags is considered shoplifting.
Hiring a qualified lawyer enables you to understand the nature and severity of the charge you are facing. Without the experience and skills, you do not know how to navigate complex legal proceedings and end up with a harsh conviction that significantly affects your future. Your lawyer analyzes your case carefully and assesses the prosecution’s charges to create defense strategies that can reduce and dismiss your charges. They fight relentlessly to protect your legal rights and for you to have a favorable verdict.
