Each state has its own set of regulations and sanctions. Louisiana’s punishments are usually harsh, and they become even worse based on the value of the allegedly stolen things. Theft is defined in New York and other states as an effort to take and hold or sell another person’s property without their agreement.
When the stolen property reaches a value of more than $1,000, theft is charged as a felony. Theft is now a felony. If someone steals $1,000 or more, or if you steal $1,000 worth of property or commodities. A felony offense carries profound implications that can affect the offender’s entire life. If charged with felony theft, you should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. You are entitled to a defense, so contact David E. Stanley, APLC, as soon as possible.
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What Constitutes As Felony Theft In Louisiana?
1. Additional Elements Often Matter
The circumstances surrounding the alleged crime might significantly impact the accusations. For example, the threat of violence and the individual’s criminal past — a repeat offender faces more serious charges than a first-time offender – are relevant considerations.
2. Legal Advice Is Critical
Because the possible penalties for a felony are so severe, it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable criminal law attorney. These legal specialists can assist in defense of the accused’s rights. They can also ensure that you did not neglect essential elements of the case and that the charges were appropriate for the accused’s actions.
3. The Types Of Felony Theft
A felony theft charge is against you for a variety of reasons. The many categories are according to the circumstances of the crime. The following are examples of felony theft crimes:
● Theft
Grand theft is the illegal stealing of $1,000 or more in cash or property. It is distinct from ordinary theft in that it entails depriving another person of a substantial sum of money or goods worth more than the felony theft threshold ($1,000). However, grand theft has the same consequences as felony theft.
● Theft Auto
It entails stealing another person’s vehicle to deprive them of it permanently. Because an automobile is such a valuable possession, auto theft is grand theft. Therefore, a felony theft charge imposes on anyone accused of grand auto theft.
● Theft
It is the thievery of another’s personal belongings. You will be prosecuted with felony theft if you attempt to remove another person’s private property worth $1,000 or more. Tangible physical property, crops, fixtures tied to the land, documents bearing legal claims, merchandise, and other items are all exposed to theft. In addition, if a servant takes possession of his master’s property or possessions, it is a sort of robbery that results in a felony theft accusation.
● Receiving Property That Is Stolen
You don’t have to steal directly or have the intent to steal to commit this form of theft. However, accepting or receiving stolen property that you know of, whether for use or sale, can result in felony theft charges. Receiving goods or items you know must have been stolen is enough to constitute you a felony thief. To be safe, you might want to double-check whenever you accept property from someone to ensure you aren’t getting anything stolen.
● Embezzlement
It is a heinous act of stealing funds entrusted to you. There must have been a fiduciary connection in which the criminal was charged with access to funds before felony theft could be embezzlement. The defendants, in this case, utilize the cash entrusted to them for personal benefit and use—embezzled funds diverted from the workplace for personal gain. If the amount stolen is $1,000 or more, it is considered criminal theft.
● Robbery
It entails using force, threat, or firearms to take another person’s property. Robbery is a crime that combines violence and stealing, and it has devastating repercussions.
4. Penalties For Felony Theft
Because the felony stolen amount is $1,000 or more, the perpetrator is subjected to harsh penalties. For example, suppose the quantity of money or value of the goods stolen is less than $5,000, and the criminal faces up to five years in prison. On the other hand, if the theft is worth more than $5,000 but less than $25,000, the perpetrator faces up to ten years in prison.
5. What To Do When Arrested For Felony Theft
Felony theft accusations are a severe matter that necessitates the assistance of an experienced, comprehensive, and rigorous criminal defense attorney. Therefore, if you have been charged with felony theft, you should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. A qualified and experienced attorney, such as David E.Stanley, APLC, can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Therefore, when you are charged with felony theft, you should first engage a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does Theft Become a Felony?
Depriving another person permanently of his property is called theft. You are committing theft when you take another person’s valued property (money or an object) without their permission or through deception. Theft is any activity that deprives another individual of their property or money. Burglary, embezzlement, shoplifting, theft, robbery, or looting are all used to describe theft. Theft is either a felony or a misdemeanor. A felony offense is just a crime that is more serious and serious than a misdemeanor. A felony crime is more severe than a misdemeanor, which carries more significant penalties, such as the death penalty or incarceration.
What Level of Theft Constitutes a Felony?
The size of the theft is determined by the jurisdiction in which the offense is committed. Another consideration is the severity of the robbery. When a property theft occurs, the value of the stolen property determines whether the crime is a felony or a misdemeanor. For example, when a heist is between $500 and $1,000, it is a felony.
Are There Any Felony Theft Defenses?
Theft charges have several defenses accessible, just like any other offense. The reason will typically rely on the offense’s specific mitigating circumstances. However, the following are some of the possible theft defenses:
1. Mistake of fact
2. Mistake of law
3. Mistaken identity
4. Consent or authority to possess the item
5. Lack of intent
6. Lack of knowledge.
As previously said, you should verify your state’s laws about the crime you’ve been charged with to see if any of these defenses are available. But, again, a criminal defense attorney like David E. Stanley, APLC, can assist you in determining this and putting together a strong defense.
A Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney
David E. Stanley, APLC, is a criminal defense lawyer who has handled numerous felony theft cases. You should contact the best theft defense attorney if you have such a case as soon as possible. David E. Stanley, APLC, aggressively defends his clients in court and makes every attempt to make a difference in each criminal case he handles. Speaking with him right now could make a significant impact on your situation. If charged with a misdemeanor or felony theft, contact David E. Stanley, APLC.
Call David E. Stanley, APLC, At 225-926-0200 Now!
David E. Stanley, APLC
1055 Laurel Street Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-926-0200
David Stanley is the founder and principal of David E. Stanley APLC. Since 1983, Mr. Stanley has successfully practiced law from his office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.