Top Rated Theft And Burglary Defense Attorneys

In Las Vegas, Nevada, if you have been arrested on charges of theft or burglary, it is imperative that you consult with skilled Theft And Burglary Defense Attorneys. When you have a theft and burglary defense lawyer on your side, you have a much better chance of having a better outcome in your case. It’s important to know the laws pertaining to theft and burglary in the state and how your attorney can build a strong defense for you.

What are the Laws Pertaining to Theft?

In Las Vegas and Nevada, in general, there are laws regarding theft. Depending on the value of the property stolen, you can be charged with petit larceny or grand larceny. The former charge comes when the items that were stolen are less than $1,200 in value while the latter is when the items that were stolen have a value of $1,200 or greater.

The crime of theft carries an intent to permanently deprive the owner of having the items in question. In other words, if a person merely borrows the item in question, the theft charge would not apply. The individual can also face theft charges if they did not receive permission from the owner to take the item.

Crimes involving petit larceny include shoplifting and stealing items from places such as a hotel room. Stealing a pet may also fall under this category. This type of theft is classified as a misdemeanor and carries a punishment including up to six months in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. Sometimes, the defendant can receive both penalties. However, in many cases, the prosecution will dismiss the charges if the defendant agrees to pay a fine and restitution. There may also be a mandatory course.

Grand larceny is a more serious crime that can be committed through shoplifting, withdrawing large sums of cash from another person’s bank account via ATM, stealing large items from hotel rooms, or stealing another person’s farm animals. It is charged as a felony and can result in punishment that includes a minimum of one year up to a maximum of 20 years in prison and fines ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the value of the property stolen.

What are the Laws Pertaining to Burglary?

Burglary is an offense that requires the individual to have the intent to commit a crime while entering a building or some other type of structure without having permission to be there. It is a more serious crime than theft as merely entering a building does not necessarily constitute burglary. However, for example, if someone breaks into a house and intends to steal money and jewelry, it is considered burglary. If someone merely enters a structure just to relax and not do anything else, it would be considered trespassing.

Like theft, to be charged with burglary, the defendant would have to intend to permanently deprive a person of items they steal. They must also not have permission to be on the premises. Merely entering a building or structure without permission doesn’t necessarily mean an automatic burglary charge. However, it’s worth noting that a person can still be charged with burglary even if they broke into a building and did not follow through with committing the crime they had in mind.

Common Defenses by Theft and Burglary Defense Attorneys

Theft and burglary defense attorneys can build a strong defense in a case involving these crimes. In a petit larceny case, the following defenses are commonly used:

• The theft didn’t actually occur
• There was no intent to steal
• The item belongs to the defendant

Common defenses in a grand larceny case include the following:

• The items belong to the defendant
• There was no intent to steal
• The items had a value under $1,200
• The search by the police was unlawful

The following are common defenses argued by theft and burglary defense attorneys in a burglary case:

• The defendant lacked an intent to commit a crime before entering the structure
• The defendant was falsely accused
• The police committed misconduct

It’s important to speak with a team of experienced theft and burglary defense attorneys if you find yourself facing any of these charges in Las Vegas. Contact Lance Hendron at your earliest convenience to discuss your case.