Criminal defense from a Spartanburg theft lawyer can be beneficial when you face charges that involve acts against another’s property. The defense attorneys at Ellis Hinton, LLC, can provide you with a personalized approach to your criminal defense. We will leverage our prior experience with federal and state prosecution to give you an honest view of your case. Your theft case deserves a confident and competent defense. Learn more about various theft crimes and how our team can advocate for you in criminal proceedings.
Theft crimes can refer to a broad range of activities involving the wrongful taking of another’s property. The circumstances, dollar value, and context of a theft allegation can affect the type of charge you will face and its corresponding punishment. The South Carolina criminal code prohibits theft in South Caroline Code of Laws § 16-13-30, defining it as petit larceny if the value of the stolen property is $2,000 or less. Alternatively, a charge of grand larceny can apply if the value of stolen property exceeds $2,000.
Other examples of theft-related charges that an attorney in Spartanburg could defend against include the following:
The defenses and case strategies available in a theft case will depend on the facts, available evidence, and the events leading up to or after an arrest. Our lawyers will work to highlight issues in the prosecution’s case that could either lead to a dismissal or lead a jury to find the reasonable doubt necessary for a not guilty verdict. For example, the right to control property, either through ownership or consent, could provide a justifiable reason for disputing allegations of theft. Some theft charges also require certain dollar thresholds, intent, or other elements for a person to be guilty of the crime. Our lawyers can identify possible disputes over these issues and use them in an effort to lessen the severity of specific charges or remove them altogether.
A theft defense attorney could help you understand and navigate a theft charge against you in Spartanburg. A petit larceny charge is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum possible jail time of 30 days. By comparison, the punishment for grand larceny varies based on the amount stolen. Grand larceny between $2,000 to $10,000 is punishable as a felony with a maximum jail time of five years. Grand larceny over $10,000 carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail.
Other classes of theft crimes may have varying punishments as misdemeanor or felony offenses under South Carolina Code of Laws § Title 16, which can also result in financial penalties and jail time. Additional issues could add to the maximum potential punishment and influence the court’s discretion in sentencing. Examples of these issues may include a prior criminal record, aggravating circumstances (e.g., use of a deadly weapon), or the number of charges in the case.
Based in Greenville, servicing SC and beyond, Ellis Hinton, LLC provides the unique combination of a small law firm feel with broad state and federal criminal experience. Our attorneys are proud to help clients understand their case and give them a fair, vigorous defense under the law. Contact our office today to schedule a free case consultation with a Spartanburg theft lawyer.
(864) 775-5775