Theft defense attorneys at the Barkemeyer Law Firm provide top-notch defense.
Theft is taking the property of another person, without the owner’s consent, with the intention of never returning the item. Theft is a broad word that encompasses various kinds of crimes like shoplifting and fraud. However, in Louisiana, most theft offenses will be charged under the Theft statute of La RS 14:67. If you are arrested for theft charge, you should contact our theft defense lawyers at the Barkemeyer Law Firm in Shreveport.
Theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the item that was allegedly stolen.
In Louisiana, stealing an object that is worth at least $1000 or more is considered a felony.
Types of Theft
Whether a theft charge is formally charged by the prosecutor as a felony or misdemeanor is determined by the alleged value of the stolen item. The prosecutor must figure out if that value can be proven.
Felony Theft
This is an intentional depriving of the owner without their consent when the item has a value of at least $1,000. If the alleged value is below $1000, it is a misdemeanor theft. You need to contact our Shreveport theft defense lawyers at the Barkemeyer Law Firm immediately if you have been arrested for felony theft. A theft lawyer in Shreveport can help create a great defense for you even if you think you have a bad case.
Misdemeanor Theft
When the misappropriation or taking amounts to less than a value of $1000, the theft is a misdemeanor and punishable for not more than 6 months, or may be fined not more than $1000, or both.
If the offender in such cases has been convicted of theft two or more times previously, upon any subsequent conviction he shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than 2 years, or may be fined not more than $2000, or both. So, having misdemeanor theft convictions build to make the new one a felony.
Shoplifting – Theft from a Merchant
In a shoplifting scenario where the property allegedly misappropriated or taken was held for sale by a merchant, an intent to permanently deprive the merchant of the property held for sale may be inferred when the defendant:
(1) Intentionally conceals, on his person or otherwise, goods held for sale.
(2) Alters or transfers any price marking reflecting the actual retail price of the goods.
(3) Transfers goods from one container or package to another or places goods in any container, package, or wrapping in a manner to avoid detection.
(4) Willfully causes the cash register or other sales recording device to reflect less than the actual retail price of the goods.
(5) Removes any price marking with the intent to deceive the merchant as to the actual retail price of the goods.
The penalties for shoplifting in Shreveport are found in the Theft statute. Most of the times, shoplifting is a misdemeanor because the value of the goods is usually under $1000.
Penalties for Theft in Louisiana
(1) Whoever commits the crime of theft when the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $25,000 or more shall be imprisoned at hard labor for not more than 20 years, or may be fined not more than $50,000, or both.
(2) When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $5000 or more, but less than a value of $25,000, the offender shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than 10 years, or may be fined not more than $10,000, or both.
(3) When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of $1000 or more, but less than a value of $5000, the offender shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than 5 years, or may be fined not more than three thousand dollars, or both.
(4) When the misappropriation or taking amounts to less than a value of $1000, the offender shall be imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or may be fined not more than $1000, or both. If the offender in such cases has been convicted of theft two or more times previously, upon any subsequent conviction he shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than 2 years, or may be fined not more than $2000, or both.
How Our Shreveport Theft Lawyers Can Help
Even if you think you’re flat busted and have no case to defend, we can still probably help. We know how to find defenses in theft cases since this is what we do every day. Also, we might be able to negotiate a lesser charge with the Caddo District Attorney.
Your Criminal Record
The most damaging consequence of a theft charge is that it hits your criminal record. After a theft arrest, the fact of that arrest is on your record. Therefore, when a potential employer, landlord, school, etc. runs your background, they will see you’ve been arrested for theft. If you are convicted for theft, you will have even bigger problems. Our theft defense lawyers focus of protecting your criminal record. The outcome of the case is important for your criminal background.
Do not lose hope. We can help.
Shreveport
668 Jordan Street
Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
318-716-3441
Louisiana DWI & Criminal Lawyers
Louisiana criminal lawyers and DWI attorneys at the Barkemeyer Law Firm providing legal defense services for clients in Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Port Allen, Alexandria, New Orleans, Lafayette, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Hahnville, Chalmette, Slidell, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John, St. Bernard, Mandeville, Covington, Shreveport, Bossier, Jefferson, and all of Louisiana.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not formal legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.
Louisiana DWI And Criminal Law Firm
