Facing a theft charge can be an overwhelming experience. You may feel uncertain about the potential outcomes and what steps you should take next. Understanding the different types of theft crimes and their implications is essential to navigating your situation.
At its core, theft is the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. However, not all theft crimes are the same—they vary in method, value, and circumstances. Below, we explore the most common types of theft crimes and what they entail.
1. Petty Theft
Petty theft, sometimes called "petit theft," typically involves the unlawful taking of property with a relatively low value. The threshold value varies by state, but it often falls under $500 or $1,000. Examples of petty theft include shoplifting a small item or taking someone’s unattended personal belongings.
While petty theft is generally classified as a misdemeanor, it can still carry serious consequences, such as fines, probation, or even jail time. If you’ve been accused of petty theft, don’t dismiss it as insignificant—legal guidance can make a difference.
2. Grand Theft
Grand theft refers to the unlawful taking of property with a higher value, generally above the threshold for petty theft. This type of crime can involve stealing high-value items like electronics, jewelry, or vehicles. It may also include theft of large sums of money.
Grand theft is often charged as a felony, with penalties that may include significant fines, restitution to the victim, and imprisonment. The severity of the punishment can depend on the value of the stolen property, your criminal history, and the specifics of the case.
3. Shoplifting
Shoplifting involves taking merchandise from a retail store without paying for it. This can include concealing items, altering price tags, or misrepresenting an item’s value to pay less for it. Shoplifting laws vary by state, with penalties often determined by the value of the stolen goods.
Depending on the circumstances, shoplifting charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies. Many cases include civil penalties, such as paying the store a fine in addition to resolving your criminal case.
4. Burglary
Burglary is distinct from other theft crimes because it involves entering a structure with the intent to commit theft or another crime. Common examples include breaking into a home, office, or store to steal items or engage in further illegal acts.
Burglary is usually classified as a felony, with varying degrees of severity based on factors such as whether the structure was occupied or force was used. Convictions can lead to harsh punishments, emphasizing the importance of effective legal defense.
5. Robbery
Robbery is one of the more severe theft crimes because it involves taking property directly from a person using force, intimidation, or threats. For instance, mugging someone on the street or using a weapon to demand money from a bank can fall under robbery.
Unlike other forms of theft, robbery places emphasis on the presence of threat or violence. It is often charged as a felony and can result in severe penalties, particularly if a weapon is involved or someone is harmed during the commission of the crime.
6. Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully uses another person’s personal information—such as their Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information—for financial gain. This crime has become increasingly common in the digital age, where sensitive data is often stored and accessed online.
Identity theft can lead to both criminal and civil consequences, with sentences ranging from fines to lengthy incarceration, depending on the method and scale of the crime.
7. Receiving Stolen Property
If someone knowingly accepts, buys, or sells stolen property, they can be charged with receiving stolen property. For example, purchasing a high-value item at a price too good to be true—knowing it may have been stolen—could result in this charge.
Charges range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of the property and the circumstances surrounding the case. Even if you did not participate in the initial theft, receiving stolen property is a serious matter that requires careful legal attention.
8. Car Theft
Car theft involves stealing a motor vehicle, ranging from a basic joyride to the organized theft of automobiles for resale. This category includes grand theft auto and carjacking, the latter involving force or threats to take a car directly from a person.
Car theft is typically charged as a felony, with penalties varying depending on the circumstances. Carjacking, in particular, carries more severe consequences due to the use of intimidation or violence.
9. Embezzlement
Unlike other theft crimes, embezzlement occurs when someone who has been entrusted with another person’s property or funds misappropriates them for personal gain. This often happens in workplaces, where employees may falsify records or divert money from an employer's account into their own.
Charges for embezzlement can range widely depending on the amount stolen and the methods used. Convictions may include restitution payments, fines, and incarceration.
Seeking Legal Guidance from a Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer in Connecticut
Whether you’re facing an accusation of petty theft or a more serious charge like robbery, theft crimes can carry significant legal consequences. The legal process can feel intimidating, but you can get help. An experienced legal professional can help you understand your rights, build your case, and work toward the best possible outcome.
At The Law Office of Jerome Paun, we’ve helped countless clients in Connecticut facing theft charges find clarity, confidence, and fairness in their legal proceedings. We understand the emotional toll these situations take and are committed to providing compassionate, results-driven representation.
If you’re facing theft charges and need legal support, reach out today for a consultation and call us at (860) 455-4202.