Montgomery Theft Crime Lawyer

Montgomery Theft Crime Attorney

Facing theft charges can be daunting, but understanding your rights and the legal process is the first step in protecting yourself. Theft is defined by U.S. law as taking someone else’s property illegally, intending to keep it from them permanently. If you are facing theft allegations in Montgomery, a theft crime lawyer at The Law Office of Richard K. Keith can ensure your rights and freedoms are protected.

Understanding the specific charges against you is the first step in building a solid defense strategy. Theft encompasses various crimes, including larceny, robbery, burglary, shoplifting, embezzlement, and theft by false pretenses. An experienced defense lawyer will help you understand the nuances of theft crime charges, which is crucial for building a strong defense.

Richard K. Keith has been practicing criminal law for over three decades and successfully represents clients in both state and federal courtrooms. He has consistently been designated as a “Super Lawyer” and has been selected to be a member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel. When you choose The Law Office of Richard K. Keith, you have highly respected and effective legal representation advocating for your case.

Types of Theft

Theft is a general term that encompasses many specific types of theft crimes. A theft conviction can carry different penalties that depend on the value of the stolen property and other factors. At The Law Office of Richard K. Keith, we have experience in a wide range of theft offenses. Some of the most common crimes include:

• Larceny. Taking someone else’s property without permission, without force or threat, intending to keep it from them permanently
• Robbery. Taking someone’s property by force or threat of force
• Burglary. Entering a building or structure illegally with the intent to commit a crime inside, which is usually theft
• Shoplifting. Stealing merchandise from a store by concealing it, altering its price, or otherwise depriving the store of its rightful ownership without paying for it
• Embezzlement. When someone entrusted with money or property takes it for their own use
• Theft by false pretenses. Deceiving another person to get them to voluntarily hand over property

In Alabama, larceny is the most prevalent property crime, accounting for 73% of theft crimes in 2023. Knowing the specific crimes of theft can help with understanding what charges you might be facing. With a high rate of property crime in the state, at 1,700 offenses per 100,000 people, it is crucial to hire a theft crime lawyer to help defend against the prosecution which will be seeking harsh Montgomery theft crime penalties.

Defenses Against Theft Charges

Defenses against theft charges vary based on the specifics of the case and must be approached strategically. A seasoned defense attorney will investigate all the evidence to build a robust case. Some common defenses against theft crimes include:

• Lack of Intent. If there was a lack of intent, it means that someone didn’t mean to commit a specific action or didn’t understand the consequences of their actions.
• Claim of Right. This can be utilized when an individual honestly believes they have a right to possess property, even if it legally belongs to someone else.
• Entrapment. This defense can argue that law enforcement tricked an individual into committing a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.
• Duress. This claim can be supported by proving that an individual was forced to commit a crime due to an immediate threat of harm.
• Insufficient Evidence. This defense can argue there’s not enough proof to convince a judge or jury that someone committed a theft crime.
• Intoxication. This claim could apply if an individual was intoxicated to the point where they didn’t understand they were stealing or didn’t have the intent to steal.

It is crucial to consult with a knowledgeable theft crime attorney to determine the most effective defense strategy for your situation. Understanding some of these common defenses helps identify what aligns with your specific case and how your theft crime defense lawyer can work towards building a strong case to protect your rights.

FAQs

Hire a Theft Crime Lawyer Today

Being accused of theft requires having a skilled attorney by your side. Securing a knowledgeable and trusted legal team is crucial to navigate the complexities of theft allegations, to mitigate the penalties, or even to have your case dismissed.

The dedicated legal team at The Law Office of Richard K. Keith is here to help you when you need it most and can prepare an exceptional defense on your behalf. Contact The Law Office of Richard K. Keith today to consult with a qualified attorney to take the first steps in protecting your future.