Facing criminal charges involving theft is a serious threat to your future. A conviction can bring a host of penalties and consequences to your life, including the potential for serving time behind bars. If you are up against these allegations, it is in your interests to take the situation seriously and start preparing your defense strategy.
One of the most important aspects of any good defense strategy is understanding the charges you are facing. Theft charges may not seem like a big deal in some cases, but they can have a grave impact on your future. When you understand the nature of these charges, you can better develop a strategy by which you can confront the case against you and protect your long-term interests.
What is theft?
The law views theft as taking the property of someone else with the intent of depriving him or her of the property permanently. While it can be relatively easy to prove that someone took something that belonged to another person, it is much more difficult to prove the intent behind the action. This is the most complex aspect of theft cases, and it is an area where you will want to strongly challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
There are different types of theft: petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft is generally a misdemeanor offense, and it involves taking property that is worth less than a certain amount. Grand theft or grand felony theft charges are more serious as they involve the taking of more valuable property. The penalties are steeper in grand theft cases.
Your rights when facing theft charges
Regardless of the nature of the case against you, you have certain rights. You have the right to the presumption of innocence, which means you are innocent until proved guilty. You also have the right to an attorney and the right to challenge the case against you in court.
If you have questions about your rights when facing theft charges, you may want to speak with an experienced Massachusetts attorney regarding your defense options. With help, you may be able to avoid a conviction or mitigate the penalties you are currently up against. You can learn more about your case and how you can fight back by seeking an assessment of your case as soon as possible after an arrest.
