Baton Rouge Theft Lawyers 

Charges of theft cover a wide range of possible actions, from a low-level misunderstanding to high-level fraud. What all of these cases have in common is that conviction will, at minimum, damage a person’s record and ability to get employment and housing. At worst, conviction can mean long prison stays and steep fines. The Baton Rouge theft lawyers at Beall & Thies want to be sure that defendants get fair treatment and the vigorous defense that the American justice system promises. 

For over 20 years, Beall & Thies has fought for defendants and their rights. Call today at (225) 577-6223 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

What Is Theft? 

Theft is one of three criminal offenses that are often used interchangeably, but are in fact different. Theft charges involve the taking of someone else’s property. Burglary does not involve the actual taking of anything, but refers strictly to unauthorized entry into someone else’s property. Robbery, while involving the stealing of property, must also include the use of force or a credible threat to do so. 

The three charges can often overlap. A defendant charged with going into a store with a gun and stealing money can face charges on both theft and robbery. If they went into the store after-hours, burglary could be added to the list. That’s to say nothing of the weapons charges that using the gun might bring. 

But each charge is brought individually and each one has different sentencing structures. Burglary convictions require at least 1 year in jail and potentially as many as 12. Conviction on a robbery charge can mean anywhere from 10 to 99 years in jail.

Theft, because it covers so many possible situations, is more wide-ranging. A person might be accused of theft if they still have a neighbor’s power tools in their garage after borrowing them. Theft charges could result if a person is believed to have taken valuable jewelry while at a house party. Or a person might be charged with theft if it’s believed they embezzled corporate money. 

The potential sentence will depend on the value of the item stolen. The guidelines in Louisiana are as follows…

• If the property in question is valued at $1,000 or less, this is a misdemeanor offense. The maximum penalty is six months in jail and a fine of $1,000. 
• Now we’re in felony territory and the first level is property valued anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The maximum prison sentence is five years. 
• If a person is convicted of taking property valued from $5,000 to $25,000, a judge is authorized to sentence them to as many as 10 years behind bars .
• Property up and over $25,000 means a convicted defendant could go away for as long as 20 years

Given the gravity of what the legal system can do, a defendant should waste no time in contacting a Baton Rouge theft attorneys. 

Experienced Lawyers You Can Trust

Beall & Thies has fought for defendants in the Baton Rouge area for over 20 years. Our attorneys individually have over 100 years of combined experience. We don’t back down from a District Attorney and we understand what’s necessary to protect our clients. Let us fight for you next. 

Beall & Thies understands how to investigate a case and craft a defense strategy. We know when it’s time to plea bargain and when to go all-out for acquittal. Contact us today at (225) 577-6223 or fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation.