WILMINGTON THEFT CRIME LAWYER
Legal Support for Theft Charges in Wilmington, NC
A theft crime charged as a misdemeanor or felony can cause permanent damage to your reputation and livelihood. Many employers, landlords, and administrators at educational institutions might be prone to turn you away if you have a theft crime on your record. It is best to fight the accusations head-on with the help of a legal professional.
If you live in North Carolina, you can rely on Wilmington theft crime Attorney James Rutherford for your case. With 19+ years of tested legal experience, Attorney Rutherford has become a staple for many communities when it comes to tackling complex and difficult criminal defense cases.
Choose James Rutherford for Your Theft Crime Defense
Awards and accreditations earned by James Rutherford, Attorney at Law:
- Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
- AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
- Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ selection
Arrested for theft in Wilmington? Call James Rutherford, Attorney at Law, today at (910) 595-1377 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Understanding Different Theft Charges in NC
No matter what sort of legal trouble you have found yourself in, you can rest easy knowing that our Wilmington theft crime attorney can handle it. With that said, knowing more about the charges that have been filed against you can be a considerably beneficial starting ground for your defense. In North Carolina and all states, theft crimes are sorted into a variety of different acts and violations; the act of stealing something or attempting to do so can therefore be quantified by one or more charges.
Common forms of theft crimes in North Carolina are:
- Burglary: Trespassing onto someone else’s property with the intention of committing another crime once there is burglary. Since, more often than not, people who burglarize a location are there to steal something, the crime is usually categorized as a theft crime.
- Extortion: Using intimidation, threats, or undue influence to gain property, finances, or favors from someone is known as extortion. Blackmail is one of the most common forms of extortion and may constitute a felony.
- Fraud: Tricking someone into providing you with property, finances, or favors in a situation that they had perceived to be legitimate is the theft crime of fraud. Mail fraud, credit fraud, and identity theft all fit into this category and could be counted as federal crimes, depending on the circumstances.
- Grand theft auto: In North Carolina, stealing property that is valued at or more than $1,000 is considered grand theft. Due to the value of nearly any motor vehicle, regardless of condition, stealing an automobile will likely trigger the charge of grand theft auto.
- Larceny: This is North Carolina’s legal statute for any basic form of theft. If you are charged for stealing property, it will likely list larceny in the police paperwork.
- Petty theft: Sometimes called concealment shoplifting, petty theft involves stealing an item of little value, typically under $500, but this amount can vary. Even stealing something valued under $20 can be considered petty theft and charged as a serious misdemeanor.
- Robbery: The generalized name for any theft crime that involved forcibly taking property from someone who was present at the time for the crime. Due to its ties to violence, robbery will likely be charged as a felony.
When Does Theft Become a Felony in NC?
In North Carolina, larceny is a class H felony if the value of the property or services is valued at over $1,000. However, under certain circumstances other than the value of the property or services, you can also face felony charges for larceny.
Circumstances other than the value of the property or services stolen that can cause theft to be a felony include:
- Breaking and entering to commit the theft
- The theft occurred by taking the property from the person of another
- The property stolen was an explosive device, firearm, or a paper or record in the custody of the North Carolina State Archives
Get Help from Our Wilmington Theft Crime Defense Lawyer
A conviction for a theft crime in North Carolina could easily result in you paying thousands in fines and fees, as well as spending months or more in jail. To fight for a reduced sentence, case dismissal, or not guilty verdict, work with our Wilmington, NC, theft crime lawyer. We genuinely want to see you treated fairly by the criminal justice system and given the best possible outcome for your case.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our Wilmington theft crime defense team now.