There are many forms of stealing. Shoplifting, petty theft, or stealing without any force being applied are just a few examples of petty theft cases. And in the year 2023, larceny-theft incidents in the United States reached nearly 4.51 million, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program data.
If you are charged with petty theft, you must first look at the case carefully. How long you can go to jail for petty theft greatly depends on the state laws, which differ from one state to another. The court usually considers petty theft a misdemeanor by default. Another determinant of jail time may be the value of the item taken.
One may ask if hiring a criminal attorney would be of any assistance in this case. A good lawyer may keep you safe and even make your case better.
Let’s look at the contribution of a criminal attorney in the process of dealing with petty theft cases by their clients.
Understanding Petty Theft Charges
Petty theft laws vary in different states. As such, it would be useful to do local law research. This may influence you to be more careful with your actions in the future.
This crime is classified as a misdemeanor. As such, penalties are less harsh, depending on the value of the stolen items. It usually consists of paying fines and a specific number of hours for community service or a short duration of imprisonment.
Promptly dealing with the issue may prove very advantageous in the overall result of the case.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Legal representation is a necessity in a petty theft case, as a skilled criminal lawyer can greatly influence the outcome of your case. According to The Law Offices of Julian M. Kessel, lawyers will scrutinize evidence, challenge identification procedures, and work towards reducing charges or securing favorable outcomes. The lawyer will identify the legal issues and complex laws related to your case and can effectively argue in your favor if a trial occurs. A good lawyer will work to get the proof ready, conduct interviews with the witnesses, and, in your favor, form a powerful defense plan particularized to your case.
They will also advise you whether it is better to go for a plea bargain or await trial. The presence of an expert advocate by your side can ease the pressure of the case. They will prevent any infringement of your rights throughout the process.
Potential Consequences of a Conviction
In case of conviction, facing petty theft charges can result in heavy consequences. Your finances can be strained when you are made to pay fines ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. You might be required to do community service, which would be a disruption to your daily life. A petty theft conviction can cause a criminal record that would make it difficult for you to get a job or an apartment lease
Even the slightest infractions can have a negative impact on your name and relationships. In some situations, the court may place you on probation, making you report to a probation officer regularly for check-ins and invading your privacy. You need to have a clear vision of the possible consequences since they may affect your life for a long time. The accusations must be taken seriously and all options carefully considered.
How a Criminal Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer who specializes in criminal law can help you get an outcome with minimal risk by using their legal knowledge during the case. They know the law and they will use it to your advantage in a very efficient way.
The lawyer chosen will do a thorough investigation of the prosecution’s proof, find the faults in the case and create a powerful defense. They will also be involved in the discussions for plea agreements that result in sentence cuts or even case dismissals if the circumstances permit it.
Your legal counsel will always be your representative in court. They will see to it that your rights as the defendant are respected and maintained during the whole ordeal. The lawyer will help you be confident during the case proceedings by giving you legal advice and support.
Evaluating Your Case With an Attorney
A thorough evaluation of your case will be done during your consultation. The lawyer will inquire what occurred regarding the alleged stealing of property worth little, under what conditions it happened, what the proof is, who the witnesses are, etc.
Through this initial appraisal, your attorney will be able to learn about your case and point out the potential defenses that can be put forward. Your attorney would also consider any issues relating to previous legal problems you had since they may play a role in your current case. They will clarify the scenarios that can arise from the charges and what to expect from the legal process.
Cost Considerations of Hiring a Lawyer
First, you need to understand the expenses involved in hiring a lawyer. The legal fees of lawyers vary widely. The same with its payment method.
The most common method is the hourly rate, where the price could range from one hundred to five hundred dollars. There are lawyers who might charge a flat fee for some cases, and this type of agreement would be beneficial in controlling the expenses. Additional charges like court appearances and filing documents should also be discussed. Retainer fees might be another thing to account for.
You may think that you can save money by self-representation, but take into account that the likelihood of winning the case will increase if a professional lawyer is involved.
To protect your rights, hiring a criminal lawyer could help you get the most positive outcome. They will handle the case for you and will do their utmost to reduce the negative consequences of your situation. Their proficiency will facilitate your handling of the legal system. Having professional legal support is always going to prove invaluable when dealing with legal challenges.
