Carroll County Theft Lawyer
All criminal charges are serious and though theft charges are some of the more common ones, they are no exception. Even without a conviction, simply being charged with theft can cause untold damage to your reputation and even your career. A Carroll County theft attorney can assist you in defending your good name in court, ensuring your side of the story is heard and your best interests are looked after.
The simple definition of theft is the taking of goods or services which you have no legal right to. But theft charges come in all kinds of situations. You can even be charged with theft for finding something and not doing anything to return it to its rightful owner. From shoplifting to embezzlement, theft takes many forms.
Penalties
The penalties for a Carroll County theft charge depend on the specific facts of your case. But generally, a theft involving less than $1,000 in value is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 18 months in jail.
If the value of the theft is more than $1,000, you will face a felony theft charge and up to 15 years in prison. As with most laws, there are exceptions to this that are best discussed with a Carroll County theft attorney.
What Should You Do?
Whether you've already been arrested or if you have reason to believe you are under investigation, contacting a Carroll County theft attorney should be a top priority. While talking to the police may seem like a good idea, you must remember that they are building a case and will use the things you say against you if possible. For this reason, a criminal defense attorney would recommend you invoke your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Your Carroll County theft attorney will listen to your side of the story and take all of your concerns into consideration. They will help you in building a solid defense strategy to get the best possible results on your day in court. Finally, they will be there to ensure you are treated fairly and your rights are protected at every stage of the process.