Bossier City Theft Defense Lawyer
Theft Defense
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Theft charges in Louisiana are a serious matter, and a conviction comes with significant consequences. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be facing years in prison, significant fines, community service, a permanent criminal record, and more.
That is precisely why it is so important that those who have been accused or charged with a theft crime in North Louisiana hire a Bossier City criminal defense attorney who can defend and protect their constitutional rights in a court of law.
Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, the legal services you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At the Law Office of Christopher M. Stahl, you’ll find an experienced criminal defense attorney in Bossier City who is prepared to take on your theft crime case and aggressively defend you against your charges.
Mr. Stahl understands the complexities of theft crime charges in Shreveport and Bossier City and knows how to navigate the criminal justice system with ease. For unparalleled legal help, call Christopher M. Stahl at 318-746-5610 today.
What are the Different Types of Theft Charges in Louisiana?
According to LA Revised Statute § 14:67, theft is defined as “the misappropriation or taking of anything of value which belongs to another, either without the consent of the other to the misappropriation or taking, or by means of fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations.” It goes on to say, “an intent to deprive the other permanently of whatever may be the subject of the misappropriation or taking is essential.”
Theft of any kind is a criminal offense, but depending on factors such as the value of the stolen item and where it was stolen from, the degree of theft varies. For example, shoplifting is a much lesser offense than armed robbery and will result in lesser penalties, but it is still a criminal charge all the same.
Below, we’ll explain a few of the more common types of theft charges and their penalties.
Louisiana Misdemeanor Theft
In the state of Louisiana, misdemeanor theft is categorized as the least severe theft offense. This includes stolen property that is valued at less than $1,000. However, misdemeanor theft becomes a felony offense if the defendant has two or more historical priors. This means that if a person has been convicted of misdemeanor theft more than once before, the offense will be increased to a felony charge and will result in much higher penalties.
The maximum sentence for theft, when considered a first-offense misdemeanor, is 6 months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or both.
Louisiana Felony Theft
Felony theft in Louisiana occurs when the defendant steals property worth $1,000 or more. Of course, this criminal offense will result in harsh penalties for anyone convicted. Below are the penalties for first offense felony theft Louisiana, as stated by the Louisiana penal code:
- Valued between $1,000 – $5,000 = up to 5 years in prison, a fine of $3,000, or both
- Valued between $5,000 – $25,000 = up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both
- Valued at more than $25,000 = Up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $50,000, or both
Shoplifting Louisiana
Shoplifting can be defined as the theft of property from a merchant or retailer with the intent to permanently deprive the store owner of the item(s). This can be done in a number of ways, such as concealing an item by placing it in a container of sorts (purse, backpack, pocket, etc.) or deliberately not scanning something at self-checkout.
Louisiana shoplifting laws typically classify this offense as a misdemeanor. However, if the value of the property stolen exceeds \$1,000, it may be charged as a felony and follow the appropriate felony theft charge sentencing guidelines.
Carjacking Louisiana
According to LA Rev Stat §14:64.2, the crime of carjacking is defined as the intentional taking of a motor vehicle belonging to another person in the presence of the car owner, passenger, or any other person in lawful possession of the vehicle. It also entails the use of force or intimidation and is an automatic felony in Louisiana.
A conviction for carjacking in Louisiana may result in anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Theft of a Motor Vehicle Louisiana
Someone might commit theft of a motor vehicle in Bossier City if they were to steal an automobile that belongs to another individual, either without that individual’s permission or by fraud, or if they take control of an automobile that they know (or should reasonably know) is stolen. As with other types of theft charges, the defendant must have the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the motor vehicle.
Also like with other theft charges in Louisiana, the degree of the motor vehicle theft charge depends on the value of the vehicle. The more expensive the car, the longer the jail sentence and the higher the fine. Below are the penalties for first offense motor vehicle theft in Louisiana:
- Valued at less than $1,000 = up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both
- Valued between $1,000 – $5,000 = up to 5 years in prison, a fine of $3,000, or both
- Valued between $5,000 – $25,000 = up tp 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both
- Valued at more than $25,000 = Up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $50,000, or both
Illegal Possession of Stolen Things Louisiana
LA Rev Stat § 14:69 describes the illegal possession of stolen things in Louisiana as the “intentional possessing, procuring, receiving, or concealing of anything of value which has been the subject of any robbery or theft, under circumstances which indicate the offender knew or had good reason to believe that the thing was the subject of one of these offenses.” Again, the severity of the charge – and thus, the punishment – depends on the value of the stolen property that is being illegally possessed.
Below are the penalties for the first offense of illegal possession of stolen things in Louisiana:
- Valued at less than $1,000 = up to 6 months in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both
- Valued between $1,000 – $5,000 = up to 5 years in prison, a fine of $3,000, or both
- Valued between $5,000 – $25,000 = up tp 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000, or both
- Valued at more than $25,000 = Up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $50,000, or both
Robbery Louisiana
There are many different types of robbery charges in Louisiana, all of which are typically very severe and lead to harsh penalties. Below are the different kinds of robbery charges along with their descriptions and potential penalties:
- Simple Robbery – Using force and/or intimidation to take anything of value directly from another individual, whether it be on their person or in their immediate control, but without the use of a dangerous weapon. A simple robbery charge may result in a fine of up to $3,000, up to 7 years in prison, or both.
- Second Degree Robbery – Robbery in the second degree refers to the theft of property directly from another individual, whether on their person or in their immediate control, and with the intentional infliction of serious bodily injury to the victim. A conviction may result in anywhere between 3-40 years in prison with hard labor.
- First Degree Robbery – Robbery in the first degree entails the forceful taking of anything of value belonging to another person, whether directly from their person or in their immediate control, and when the victim reasonably believes the perpetrator to be armed with a dangerous weapon. Such a charge may bring a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison with hard labor and without the benefit of parole, probation, or a suspension of sentence.
- Armed Robbery – Armed robbery is essentially the same thing as first degree robbery, but in this case, the offender is, in fact, armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon. An armed robbery sentence may range anywhere from 10 to 99 years in prison with hard labor and without the possibility of parole, probation, or a suspension of sentence. If the dangerous weapon in question is a firearm, an additional 5 years will be tacked onto your sentence.
Fraud Louisiana
There are several different types of fraud charges in Louisiana, as well. This includes bank fraud, forgery, embezzlement, credit card fraud, and much more. In summary, fraud is the act of knowingly executing (or attempting to execute) a scheme to obtain something of value, typically money or assets. As there are several different types of fraudulent activities one may commit, the length of sentencing varies. If you are facing criminal charges for a fraud crime in Louisiana, speak with your Bossier City criminal defense attorney to learn more about the consequences you may be facing.
Why Do You Need a Bossier City Theft Defense Attorney?
If you have been charged with a theft crime in Bossier City, whether you committed the offense or not, it is imperative that you obtain the legal guidance and knowledge that only experienced criminal defense attorneys can provide. LA criminal defense lawyers experienced in criminal law help protect their clients’ constitutional rights while building the strongest possible defense for their criminal case.
As someone who has practiced law in the Bossier City-Shreveport, LA area for a decade now, criminal defense lawyer Christopher M. Stahl has extensive experience handling criminal cases of all kinds, including theft charges in Louisiana. He will aggressively advocate for each client he takes on, working tirelessly toward the most favorable outcome for their case, whether that’s a plea deal, a case dismissal, a reduced sentence, or a not guilty verdict at trial. If you’ve been charged with a theft crime in Bossier City, LA or the surrounding areas, get in touch with one of the best LA lawyers in the business at the Law Office of Christopher M. Stahl today.
Call The Law Office of Christopher M. Stahl for Top Theft Defense in Bossier City, LA
Whatever your legal issue, you need a knowledgeable and experienced Bossier City criminal defense attorney who is skilled in handling cases similar to your own and who is in good standing with their respective state bar association. A good criminal defense lawyer can educate you on Louisiana criminal law, explore your legal options, and navigate the many complexities of the justice system, all while protecting your rights and your future.
At his law firm, Christopher M. Stahl takes on more than just criminal defense cases. He also handles a variety of other legal issues, including personal injury law, family law, civil disputes, expungements, and wills and successions, among other related practice areas. If you’re located in Bossier City, Louisiana or the surrounding areas, be sure to obtain help from the Law Office of Christopher M. Stahl as soon as possible. The quicker you get in touch, the more time Mr. Stahl has to prepare and strengthen your case.
Contact The Law Offices of Christopher M. Stahl
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