The earlier you hire a skilled defense attorney to help you, the better your chances of beating the case.
There are a number of strong defense strategies to beat a theft charge. I will file motions to make sure that any alleged evidence against you was legally obtained and your rights were not violated.
Embezzlement (stealing from a buisness) is easier to argue that an honest mistake was made, since contact with funds was established and legitimate.
For larceny or embezzlement of larger amounts, full or partial restitution can be offered in exchange for reducing or dropping charges. The victim will frequently agree to that if it means getting money back promptly. For this reason, many cases do not make it to trial. I am known and respected with courts and prosecutors in Hampshire, Berkshire, and Franklin county and can often find a way to settle the case that is agreeable to all parties.
In Massachusetts commonly commited theft crimes include: larceny, shoplifting, burglary, robbery, vehicular theft, forgery, embezzlement, receiving stolen property, and money laundering.
Penalties
The type of criminal charges will depend in part on the value of the property that was involved. Property worth less than $250 is considered petty theft. If over $250, it is considered grand theft and may be classified as a felony.
Larceny of property in value over $250, penalties can go up to 5 years in jail and $25,000 fine
Shoplifting items valued at more than $100, penalty for a first offense can go up to 2 1/2 years in jail and fine of $1000.
Penalties can get particularly severe if the defendant has a prior criminal record, prior theft crime conviction, if the defendant caused bodily harm while commiting the crime, or if the defendant used a weapon while commiting the crime. .
Breaking and Entering with intent to commit a felony, penalties can go up to 20 years in prison.
Theft charges pose life altering consequences. You cannot risk being without experienced aggessive representation.
Fee
My client pays one affordable fee. There are no further charges throughout the case.
At the Law Office of Colin Keefe, we have a long and successful track record at fighting these charges. We stand ready to handle your misdemeanor or felony theft crime charges.
