THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS IN GREENSBORO, NC
When you face larceny charges in Guilford County
Stealing someone else’s property can result in serious fines and jail time, depending on the circumstances of the theft and, in many cases, the value of the property stolen.
Because there are so many variables, theft charges can be challenged on many fronts. Each attorney of Clifford & Harris, PLLC has the knowledge to deconstruct property crime charges to craft workable defense strategies for our clients.
Our criminal law attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, examining each piece of evidence and reviewing and taking witness statements. We can raise questions about whether a crime was committed, and if it was, whether you were in fact the perpetrator.
Theft laws and punishments in North Carolina
Most theft crimes are felonies, while a few are misdemeanors, such as shoplifting. There is no longer a distinction between grand larceny and petit larceny. Felony larceny is considered a Class H felony, punishable by up to 33 months in prison depending on your prior record. Larceny of property valued at less than $1,000 is a Class I misdemeanor. However, the value of the property is irrelevant if it was:
| Stolen directly from a personTaken during a burglaryA firearm | An explosiveThe second larceny offense |
Receiving stolen property and possessing stolen property also are Class H felonies.
Robbery and burglary
Robbery is taking something directly from someone or from an occupied home, business or bank. If you commit a robbery with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, depending on your prior record, you potentially face up to 204 months in prison as it is a Class D felony. Robbery without a weapon is a Class G felony, which carries up to 39 months in prison, depending on your prior record.
Similarly, burglary — generally defined as entering into a building with intent to commit a crime — is punishable as a Class D felony if the building was occupied (first-degree burglary) and as a Class G felony if the structure was not occupied (second-degree burglary).
Get help with your theft charges in Greensboro, NC
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony property crime, you need an aggressive North Carolina criminal defense attorney who has successfully defended these cases.
Each attorney in Clifford & Harris, PLLC has the experience and knowledge to present the best possible defense. Contact Clifford & Harris, PLLC at 336-574-2788 or online. We will meet with you for free to discuss your options.