Guilty or not, facing theft charges is a terrifying experience. The alleged victim is usually angry and willing to do anything to seek justice, even looking for someone to blame. The police officers involved in the case might try to intimidate your loved one to coerce them to confess. A prosecutor might also attempt to convince them to accept an unfair plea.
If your family member is charged with a theft-related offense, they could face penalties from hefty fines, community service, and even jail time. Even for seemingly minor crimes, theft, sentencing, and penalties can affect their life. They need to hire a qualified and experienced theft attorney as soon as possible to secure the best possible outcome for their case.
1. Get in touch with a theft attorney.
Navigating the legal system is difficult, and you shouldn’t let your loved one handle it alone. But without the proper knowledge and practice with the court system, you won’t be of much help either. When your family member is charged with theft, don’t let them go to court without a qualified legal representative.
The first and most important thing to do is to find an attorney who’s knowledgeable and experienced in handling theft cases in the local court system. Keep in mind that the outcome of your loved one’s charges is in their hands, so don’t hire just anyone. Although it’s vital to secure an attorney immediately, make sure you still check and assess their qualifications.
2. Go to their arraignment.
When an alleged victim charges your family member with theft, they will be summoned to appear in court. If it’s only a minor crime, the court summons will arrive via mail. For serious charges or failure to comply with the court summons, a judge may issue a warrant, and your loved one will be arrested immediately.
The first step of the court process for theft is the arraignment. As long as you dress appropriately, you can attend the arraignment to accompany your family and show your support. During this session, the judge will inform your loved ones about the charges filed against them and ask if they wish to plead guilty or not guilty. Before the arraignment, ensure your family member consults with their attorney about this decision.
3. Learn as much as you can about the charges.
Because of how frightening the whole ordeal is, your loved one might find it difficult to get their thoughts together. They may need to depend on you for updates or explanations on things that confuse them. But for you to provide adequate support and help, you must first understand the charges they’re facing, even in a general sense.
Theft-related offenses are divided into two broad categories, which describe the severity of the charges for sentencing. These categories include:
Petty theft
In cases where the value or dollar amount of the stolen property is relatively low, an individual may face charges of petty theft. Most states set a specific value, such as $500 or $1000, as the limit for such charges. Petty theft is deemed a minor offense or misdemeanor with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment lasting less than one year.
Grand theft
Grand theft is a serious offense involving thefts of money or property whose value exceeds the limit for petty theft. Depending on the situation, grand theft can be a felony or a simple misdemeanor. Prosecutors will have to consider the type of property taken, how the theft occurred, and the defendant’s criminal history. If it falls under felony charges, the person may face a minimum jail time of more than one year in state prison.
4. Attend the trial.
If your loved one doesn’t accept a plea deal, the legal process may end with a trial to determine their guilt or innocence. After weighing the pros and cons with their lawyer, they have the option of choosing between a jury trial or a bench trial. The hearing can be stressful for the defendant, so be sure to show your support by attending. Arrive at the courtroom at least 15 minutes before the scheduled hearing, and be sure to dress at least in business casual.
Takeaway
When your loved one is charged with theft, they can face severe penalties if convicted. That is why it’s critical to contact an experienced theft attorney as soon as possible. They defend your family member’s rights in a court of law and ensure the best possible outcome for their case.
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