In contrast to what the news or your favorite crime drama might lead you to believe, murders are nowhere near the most common type of crime – property theft is.
Is Property Theft a Common Crime?
Property crime is still by far the most common type of crime, and even if you think it never would — getting charged with property theft might happen to you or someone you know. If you or someone you know has been accused of property theft, there is no need to stress. The most common type of property crime is theft-larceny, so let’s run through what to expect if you’ve been charged with theft. We’ll also walk through steps you can take to potentially lessen your charges, and what the consequences could be if you’re found guilty.
“A record of theft may affect your ability to get hired for certain jobs in the future, especially those in which you would interact with money,” -Bryan Antol
Will I Go to Jail if Charged with Property Theft?
The good news is, if this is your first offense, you likely won’t have to worry about jail time. Of course this can depend very much on the circumstances of what happened. For example, what was taken, its monetary value, and whether or not the rightful owners are pressing charges. The bad news: you will likely have to pay some civil penalties as well as court costs. In order to keep your record squeaky clean, you may be able to keep this charge off your public record with a diversion program. A diversion program could include community service as well as adhering to other requirements. If you are not able to get this charged removed from your record, it may affect your ability to get hired for certain jobs in the future. Especially those in which you would interact with money.
What Should I Do if Arrested for Property Theft?
Here are a few steps we recommend taking to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. First, most people want to know whether returning the item(s) or money they took will help their case. While returning what was taken will not eliminate the possibility of you being charged with theft, but it may help get you a plea deal or lessen your charges.
Making a Statement:
“Even if you know that you have been wrongly accused, your statement could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.” -Antol & Sherman
What if the Property I’m Charged with Stealing is Actually Mine?
Unless you feel that you have been falsely accused and/or that the item in question does, in fact, rightfully belong to you — you should consider returning the item to its owner. Most importantly, do not make a statement to the police or attempt to explain what happened. Even if you know that you have been wrongly accused, your statement could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. But above all, get a lawyer. They will be able to help you better assess the severity of your specific circumstances, provide counsel, and help you develop a strong defense.
Who Offers Property Theft Representation in Flagstaff?
If you or someone you know has been accused of property theft, please contact Antol and Sherman right away. We’re here to help. For a free consultation, call (928) 214 – 6339.
Our team of dedicated trial attorneys at Antol & Sherman, PC, have more than 60 years of combined legal experience and a strong track record of providing successful legal counsel. We have been practicing criminal, family and divorce, drug and DUI, and accident law in Flagstaff, Arizona and surrounding northern Arizona cities including Camp Verde, Sedona, Williams, Holbrook, Winslow, Cottonwood, Mayer, Seligman, Kingman, Page, and St. Johns.