Greenville, SC Theft Charges Attorneys

Theft Charges Attorneys in Greenville

South Carolina recognizes various categories of theft charges. A conviction for a theft charge can result in various penalties, including fines, jail time, and certain collateral consequences that affect every aspect of your life.

If you face a theft charge in Greenville, you want an experienced criminal defense attorney at Fedalei & Reid by your side immediately. We can aggressively protect your rights and interests, determine your legal options, and pursue the best possible result in your case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Greenville, theft charges lawyer, please call us at (864) 668-1661 or contact us online for more information.

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Why Should We Represent You in Your Criminal Case?

If you are facing a theft charge in Greenville, you want the best possible legal team advocating for you and working on your behalf.

At Fedalei & Reid, we have a strong track record of achieving favorable results for individuals accused of crimes in upstate South Carolina, including those facing theft charges. We can determine the right option for your case and pursue the best possible result available.

You can view some of our most recent client reviews on our website.

Our office is conveniently located at 600 East North Street, Suite 103, Greenville, SC 29601. Let us help you achieve a favorable result in your case as quickly as possible.

Potential Penalties and Collateral Consequences for a Theft Conviction in Greenville

In Greenville, a theft conviction can carry significant penalties and collateral consequences that may affect your life in multiple ways. The severity of these penalties largely depends on the value of the stolen property and whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Penalties:

For thefts involving property valued at $2,000 or less, the crime is typically charged as petit larceny – a misdemeanor. If convicted, you can face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

However, if the stolen property is valued between $2,000 and $10,000, the charge is elevated to grand larceny, and considered a felony. This can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. The penalty increases significantly for thefts involving property worth more than $10,000, with the possibility of up to 10 years in prison.

Collateral Consequences:

Beyond the immediate penalties, a theft conviction can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond your sentence. A criminal record can severely limit your employment opportunities, as many employers hesitate to hire someone with a history of alleged dishonesty. This can make it difficult to find stable work, leading to long-term financial instability.

Additionally, a theft conviction can affect your ability to secure housing. Landlords often conduct background checks, and a criminal record can lead to denials in rental applications. Moreover, certain professional licenses may be revoked or denied if you have a theft conviction, further limiting your career prospects.

A theft conviction can also affect your social life. A criminal record can strain personal relationships, as friends, family, and others may view you differently after a conviction. You may also lose the right to own or possess firearms, depending on the nature of your conviction.

Common Types of Theft Charges in Greenville

In Greenville, theft charges can vary depending on the nature of the crime and the value of the stolen property.

Below are some of the most common types of theft charges seen in Greenville:

• Petit Larceny – Petit larceny, also known as petty theft, is one of the most common theft charges in Greenville. This offense involves the theft of property valued at $2,000 or less. Examples include shoplifting, stealing a bicycle, or taking someone’s personal belongings without permission. Prosecutors typically charge petit larceny as a misdemeanor, but even a minor offense can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines and jail time.
• Grand Larceny – Grand larceny is a more severe theft involving property valued between $2,000 and $10,000. This charge is a felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years. Examples of grand larceny include stealing high-value electronics, vehicles, or large sums of money. When the stolen property exceeds $10,000, the penalties become even more severe, with potential imprisonment for up to 10 years.
• Shoplifting – Shoplifting is a theft charge involving taking merchandise from a store without paying for it. In Greenville, the severity of shoplifting charges depends on the value of the stolen items. The charge is usually petit larceny if the goods are worth $2,000 or less. However, if the value exceeds $2,000, the charge can escalate to grand larceny. Repeat offenses can also result in harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
• Burglary – Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building or residence with the intent to commit theft or another crime inside. In Greenville, burglary is classified into three degrees. First-degree burglary, which involves entering a dwelling at night or with a weapon, is the most serious and can lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Second- and third-degree burglary charges are less severe but still carry significant penalties, especially if a theft was committed during the burglary.
• Identity Theft – Identity theft is becoming increasingly common in Greenville. This crime involves using someone else’s personal information, such as their Social Security number or credit card details, to commit fraud or steal money. Identity theft is a serious offense and is often prosecuted as a felony, with penalties that can include substantial prison time and fines.

These common theft charges in Greenville, carry serious legal consequences and can have lasting effects on your life if convicted.

Possible Legal Defenses to a Greenville, SC Theft Charge

Several legal defenses may help reduce or dismiss theft charges in Greenville. The success of these defenses depends on the specifics of your case and the evidence presented.

Here are some common legal defenses to theft charges in Greenville:

• Lack of Intent – One of the most important elements the prosecution must prove in a theft case is that you intended to steal the property. If you can demonstrate that you did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their property, you may have a viable defense. For example, if you mistakenly took something, believing it was yours, or planned to return it, you may have lacked the necessary intent to commit theft.
• Mistaken Identity – Theft charges often rely on eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable. If you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, you can argue that you were not the person who committed the theft. Alibi evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness statements confirming your whereabouts at the time of the crime, can support this defense.
• Consent – Another potential defense is that the property owner gave you permission to take or use it. If you can prove that you had the owner’s consent, you may be able to avoid a theft conviction. This defense can be particularly effective in cases involving disputes between acquaintances or family members, where there may have been an agreement or misunderstanding about using certain property.
• Entrapment – Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If you can show that police officers or undercover agents persuaded or coerced you into stealing something, you may have a valid entrapment defense. This defense is more common in cases involving sting operations – or when the police set up scenarios to catch someone committing theft.
• Insufficient Evidence – In any criminal case, the prosecution must prove the accused’s (defendant’s) guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You can argue insufficient evidence exists to convict you. This defense can involve challenging the credibility of witnesses, the validity of the evidence, or the procedures used during your arrest.

These are just a few common legal defenses to a theft charge in Greenville. If you face a theft charge, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney at Fedalei & Reid. We can determine the best strategy for your case.

Pursuing a Plea Deal on Your Behalf Versus Taking Your Case to Trial in Greenville

When facing a theft charge in Greenville, deciding whether to pursue a plea deal or take your case to trial is a vital decision that can significantly affect your future. At Fedalei & Reid, here’s how we can help you make the right choice and pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Pursuing a Plea Deal:

A plea deal, or plea bargain, involves negotiating with the prosecution to reduce the charges against you or minimize the penalties you face in exchange for a guilty plea. This option can help if the evidence against you is strong and the risk of a harsher penalty at trial is high.

We can negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible plea deal. Our goal will be to reduce the severity of the theft charge or lessen the penalties, such as reducing a felony charge to a misdemeanor or lowering the amount of jail time.

By accepting a plea deal, you can avoid the uncertainty of a trial and potentially receive a more lenient sentence.

Plea deals can also help you avoid the time, stress, and expense associated with a trial. If you have a weak defense or the prosecution has overwhelming evidence, accepting a plea deal may be the most practical and strategic option.

Taking Your Case to Trial:

On the other hand, taking your theft case to trial may be the best course of action if you have a strong defense or believe you can achieve a better outcome. At trial, we will present evidence and arguments to challenge the prosecution’s case and demonstrate your innocence or create reasonable doubt.

If there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case – such as unreliable witnesses, insufficient evidence, or procedural errors – going to trial can result in an acquittal or a not-guilty verdict. However, it’s important to understand that trials carry risks. If convicted, the penalties may be more severe than those offered in a plea deal.

We can help you weigh the pros and cons of each option, ensuring that you fully understand the potential outcomes. Whether pursuing a plea deal or taking your case to trial, will will protect your rights and fight to achieve the best possible resolution for your theft case.

In Greenville, having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer by your side is essential in making the right decision for your theft case and pursuing the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Steps to Take after an Arrest for Theft in Greenville

If you’ve been arrested for theft in Greenville, to protect your rights and build a strong defense:

• Remain Calm and Cooperative – Stay calm and cooperative with law enforcement after your arrest. Arguing or resisting arrest can worsen your situation and lead to additional charges. Comply with the officers’ instructions, but don’t answer their questions.
• Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent – You have the right to remain silent, and it’s wise to use it. Avoid discussing the details of your case with the police or anyone else. They can use anything you say against you in court. Politely decline to answer questions until you have a criminal defense lawyer present.
• Contact an Attorney Immediately – One of the most important steps you can take is to contact an experienced Greenville, criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Fedalei & Reid, we can explain the charges against you, advise you on what to say or not say, and begin preparing your defense. 
• Gather and Preserve Evidence – If possible, start gathering any evidence that may support your case. This can include receipts, communications, or any other documentation that may help prove your innocence or challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Let us know about any potential witnesses who can testify on your behalf at trial.
• Follow All Legal Instructions – After your arrest, you may be released on bail or given instructions, such as attending court hearings or checking in with a probation officer. It’s important to follow all of these instructions carefully to avoid further legal trouble.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case – Never discuss your case with friends and family – or on social media. Prosecutors can use anything you say against you. Therefore, discuss your case only with us.

Taking these steps after an arrest for theft in Greenville can protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.

Talk with an Experienced Greenville Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Theft Charge

If you are currently facing a theft charge in Greenville,  you want an experienced criminal defense attorney advocating for you right away. At Fedalei & Reid, we will aggressively protect your rights and interests throughout the process, represent you during all legal proceedings, and pursue the best possible result in your theft case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Grenville criminal defense attorney, please call us at (864) 668-1661 or contact us online to learn more.