Call Us Now
Email Us NowDefending Clients Aggressively
Facing theft crimes can be frightening, whether you have been accused of grand theft, petty theft, drug crimes, or other criminal charges under Idaho law. The criminal justice system is not perfect, and innocent people are often charged with crimes they did not commit. Others are victims of entrapment, where a police officer tricks them into performing a criminal act they would not have otherwise undertaken. Individuals guilty of making a mistake and committing a crime also need help fighting the severe penalties of a theft conviction.
If you or a loved one are facing theft charges, you need a criminal defense attorney to help you. A conviction could lead to jail time, fines, and a criminal record that could haunt you for the rest of your life. No matter what theft charges you’re facing, please reach out to our team of criminal defense attorneys in Boise for help. We have assisted countless clients in getting their cases reduced or their charges dismissed entirely. We know what it takes to get a positive outcome and will work tirelessly to get the results you need in your theft crimes case. Call today to schedule a free consultation at 208-584-2590 and discuss your needs with our compassionate legal team.
What Are Some Types of Theft Crimes in Idaho?
Being involved in a theft criminal case can be overwhelming and confusing. With all the legal terminology you are probably hearing, you may wonder what your charges mean. Developing a strong defense requires first knowing what charges you are fighting. Idaho law defines theft in two broad categories: grand theft and petty theft, also known as petit theft.
Grand Theft
Grand theft covers many of the theft crimes that occur in the Gem State. Grand theft can lead to felony charges, which are some of the most serious crimes leading to the heaviest legal consequences. A grand theft crime in Idaho is defined as stealing an item valued at over $1,000.
Some common grand theft charges include:
- Stealing a car
- Stealing funds from a bank account
- Commercial theft
- Deceptive theft, or tricking someone into giving you something worth more than $1,000
- Stealing a valuable item regardless of its value, such as a credit card, check, or firearm
- Employee theft, or stealing $1,000 worth of items from your employer per year
- Group theft, or working with others to steal items worth over $1,000.
- Robbery
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Identity fraud
Petty Theft
Petty theft crimes typically appear as misdemeanor charges but should still be taken seriously. If you are charged with petty theft, you are being accused of stealing items worth $1,000 or less. You could still face jail time and fines of up to $1,000, so you should hire a criminal defense attorney who will offer an aggressive defense to fight your theft conviction.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Fight My Theft Crime Charges?
Having the right criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference when fighting theft crimes in Idaho. Whether your charges involve accusations of violent crimes, stealing personal property, robbery, identity theft, embezzlement, or other theft crimes, you need help proving you do not deserve the harshest sentencing. A lawyer can give you the counsel you need for the most favorable outcome possible.
Common Defenses for Theft Crimes
Prosecutors have the burden of proving you are guilty beyond doubt, so if your defense attorney can show some doubt about your involvement in the crime, you could avoid the worst sentencing or even get your case dismissed.
Some defenses that could help you fight your theft crime charges include:
- Mistaken identity, or proving you were not the person who committed the crime
- Lack of force or threat
- Lack of intent to steal
- Entrapment, meaning police officers goaded you into performing a criminal act you did not intend to do
- Acting under duress or threat
The defense you and your lawyer create will depend on the unique circumstances of your charges. Reach out to our law firm today to learn more about how we can help.
What a Lawyer Can Do to Help Fight Theft Charges
Hiring a lawyer is critical when facing theft crimes in Idaho. Your attorney can help you answer law enforcement questions without accidentally incriminating yourself. They will also defend you aggressively against the prosecutors’ arguments. Call our law firm now to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
What Consequences Could I Face with a Theft Crime Conviction?
Individuals convicted of felonies could face years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. A misdemeanor conviction can also result in serious consequences.
Penalties for a Felony Theft Conviction
Felony theft convictions usually result from grand theft crimes, violent crimes, or other crimes involving aggravating circumstances. If you are convicted of felony charges in Idaho, you could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Penalties for Misdemeanor Charges
Misdemeanor penalties include up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. You could also face the negative consequences that come with a criminal record, such as loss of your job or custody of your children. Don’t take the risk of hiring an inexperienced team of attorneys. Call Tatum McBride Law, P.C. today.
Should You Hire Our Theft Defense Attorneys?
If you are facing theft crimes, you need an attorney in Boise who will fight for your case to be reduced or dismissed. Our team of lawyers will act aggressively to defend your rights and get you the positive outcome you need. We fight tirelessly for our clients, conducting our own investigation to turn up evidence of what really happened during the alleged crime.
Facing the prosecution can be scary, but you proceed with confidence with our legal team on your side. Our knowledge and experience can provide you with the legal counsel and representation you need to overcome these challenging circumstances. If you or a loved one is arrested for a theft crime in Boise, call us immediately at 208-584-2590.