Theft charges can take on many forms and levels of severity. However, it is important to recognize that any alleged offense is a serious matter, as a conviction can come with harsh consequences. At the very least, convictions will create criminal records that could make it difficult to obtain housing or a job. More severe situations could lead to felony convictions where courts have the power to sentence a person to a multiple-year prison sentence.

No matter the exact circumstances that led to your arrest, call an East Windsor theft lawyer for help. The skilled attorneys at our firm are prepared to work with you to provide the best possible defense in your case.

Theft Charges Under State Law

There are many alleged actions that could lead to theft charges under state law. The simplest examples involve taking another person’s property without their permission. However, the state’s statute concerning theft, Connecticut General Statute § 53a-119, covers a variety of other behaviors, including the following:

• Receiving stolen goods
• Embezzlement from an employer or customer
• Refusal to pay for services
• Shoplifting
• Theft via fraud or deception

The main factor that determines the level of a theft charge is the value of the property involved in the alleged incident. The more valuable the item, the harsher the potential penalties a defendant faces. In addition, the supposed theft of certain types of property can also bring enhanced penalties.

Penalties for Theft in East Windsor

The simplest theft charge is a class C misdemeanor. This means that a conviction can result in a jail term of no more than three months, the payment of a fine of up to $500, or both. At the other end of the spectrum, the most severe examples of theft are class B felonies. Here, the court may order a prison sentence of up to twenty years or the payment of a $15,000 fine. Consulting with a theft attorney at our firm can help an accused person understand the charges and penalties they face.

Defenses for Larceny and Theft Charges

Even if a prosecutor is pursuing a theft case as a misdemeanor, it may be in an individual’s best interest to fight back against the charges in court. An East Windsor theft attorney could help file motions to question the legality of the State’s evidence as well as present arguments before judges and juries to create reasonable doubt.

A lawyer that has defended theft cases could work to evaluate the strength of a prosecutor’s evidence and investigate how police came to acquire this information. For example, if police only discovered stolen goods as the result of an illegal search of a home, it is likely that a court will exclude this evidence. Similarly, arguments at trial could call a witness’s identification or recollection into question. Every theft case is unique, and a lawyer at Ruane Attorneys could work to develop a defense that best fits the specific situation.

Contact an East Windsor Theft Attorney to Discuss Your Case

An arrest for an alleged theft could have serious consequences on your life. Even if a conviction results in a suspended sentence or no jail time, you still may face probation and a criminal record. Felony-level convictions are almost certain to require time spent in prison.

It is essential that you take an aggressive stance when dealing with these charges by working with an East Windsor theft lawyer. Our legal team is prepared to defend your rights at every opportunity and to present arguments in court that aim to defeat the prosecutor’s case. Reach out to our office today to discuss your situation.