Stealing the property of another against their wishes is obviously illegal, but state theft laws stretch beyond this simple concept. In fact, a theft charge can also result from alleged activities involving extortion, embezzlement, deception, and the receipt of stolen goods.

The main factor in determining the severity of an allegation is the value of the involved items, and theft charges can range from minor misdemeanors to severe felonies. If you are facing criminal charges related to any form of alleged theft, reach out to a dedicated attorney as soon as possible. A New Britain theft lawyer could explain the laws that control your case, evaluate the prosecutor’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome.

State Laws for Larceny Charges

It is always against the law to take the property of another without their permission. Additionally, the state’s theft laws include a list of related activities that fall under the same umbrella. Under Connecticut General Statute § 53a-119, these activities include:

• Receiving stolen property
• Extorting people or companies
• Embezzling items or money in one’s care
• Receiving goods or services through deception

Regardless of the specific charges, a New Britain attorney could develop a strategy tailored to an allegation of theft-related activity. A dedicated lawyer could work to show that the item in question is the rightful property of a defendant or contest whether the holder of goods had any reason to believe that those goods were stolen.

Penalties for Theft in New Britain

The simplest way to evaluate the severity of a larceny charge is to examine the value of the items or services involved in the alleged theft. The greater the value of the items, the more severe the resulting charge.

For example, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-122 describes larceny in the first degree as involving items with a value of $20,000 or more. These offenses are Class B felonies. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-125b says that a larceny in the sixth degree applies when the value of the item is $500 or less. Convictions here are Class C misdemeanors that can bring a jail sentence of up to three months.

Additionally, the law evaluates the nature of the items involved in the alleged theft when determining the severity of a charge. Items such as motor vehicles, firearms, and public records can all bring enhanced penalties upon conviction. A theft lawyer in the area could provide more information about a person’s specific charges and the potential penalties.

Speak with a New Britain Theft Attorney Today

Every allegation of theft is a serious matter. Even misdemeanor convictions could lead to time in jail and the creation of a criminal record that makes it difficult to obtain employment or proper housing. Even worse are felony-level charges that can have a more profound impact on the rest of your life.

In these situations, it is crucial to seek every advantage in your case by working with a dedicated attorney. A New Britain theft lawyer could explain the law that controls your case, evaluate what the prosecutor may be able to prove, and identify strategies for seeking a desirable outcome. Let the legal team at Ruane Attorneys handle your case and fight for your rights. Give us a call today to learn more and schedule an appointment.