Grand theft is the act of taking property that belongs to another person with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of their property and depriving them of it against their will. “Grand theft” is typically the term that is used in car theft, but the term can actually apply to many different types of property.
If you have been charged with grand theft, you need an effective defense as soon as possible so you can combat the charges against you. Grand theft is a form of theft that involves property that is valued over a specific dollar amount. This means that grand theft can consist of the theft of money, labor, personal property, or anything that belongs to another person. Because the consequences are severe, you want to have the best quality defense.
Understanding The Charges Against You
There is a boundary between grand theft and petty theft. In many cases, petty theft is charged as a misdemeanor, especially when the value of the item that has been stolen is less than $500. It also depends on the circumstances surrounding the theft. Even in petty theft cases, there may be factors present that aggravate the charges and that’s cause for the consequences to be more severe, if convicted.
Grand theft is charged as a felony and a conviction can reflect this charge with fines and/or jail time. In addition, there is the mark on your permanent record. Any kind of theft offense is going to make it difficult keeping your job, finding a new job, renting a home, and even going back to school. It can also tarnish your reputation, making trust something difficult to come by. Your St. Paul criminal defense attorney will help you understand the charges and will work toward the best possible outcome for you.
Defending Clients Against All Forms Of Grand Theft
Grand theft encompasses a number of acts. The first is vehicle theft. This crime can still be considered petty theft as long as the value of the car falls below a certain value. It is considered grand theft if it falls above a certain dollar amount. Shoplifting can also be considered grand theft if the value falls above the threshold and firearm theft can be considered such as well. In firearm theft, the type of firearm stolen can also determine whether or not the charge is grand theft.
You and your Minneapolis criminal defense attorney will go over the charges against you and why the charge is grand theft. It is not surprising if even identity theft and credit card fraud are charged as grand theft, as this crime does have many faces.
Grand theft is a very serious crime and one of the most severe theft crimes that a person can commit due to the type of item and its value, as well as the acts that may be involved in that theft. Regardless of innocence or guilt, you deserve to have a fair defense by a defense attorney who protects your rights and communicates well with you. To learn more, contact the Law Office of Mark Herman at 612-382-4545 for a free consultation.
