Rochester Theft Crime Attorney

Aggressive Defense for Theft Charges in Monroe County

Being charged with theft can be a very serious matter. In New York, theft crimes are taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties if you are convicted. If you are facing theft charges, it is important to have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side who can help you understand your legal options and fight for your rights.

At Christopher K. Rodeman Attorney at Law, we have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of theft cases. We understand the complexities of New York theft laws and know what it takes to build a strong defense strategy. Our firm is committed to providing personalized legal solutions and aggressive representation every step of the way.

If you have been charged with theft, call (585) 928-4193 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Rochester theft crime lawyer.

Understanding Theft Laws in New York

In New York, theft is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. Theft crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the property stolen and the specific circumstances of the case.

There are several different types of theft crimes in New York, including:

• Shoplifting
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Identity theft
• Credit card fraud
• White-collar crimes

Each of these crimes has its own specific elements that must be proven in order for you to be convicted. Our attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and what the prosecution will need to prove in order to obtain a conviction.

Penalties for Theft Crimes in New York

The penalties for theft crimes in New York can vary widely depending on the specific charges and the circumstances of the case. In general, the more valuable the property stolen, the more severe the penalties will be. Additionally, if the theft involved the use of a weapon or caused injury to another person, the penalties will be more severe.

The penalties for theft crimes in New York can include:

• Restitution
• Probation
• Community service
• Monetary fines
• Imprisonment

Having a theft conviction on your criminal record can also have a significant impact on your life. It can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. Our attorney can help you understand the potential penalties you are facing and work to minimize the impact of a conviction on your life.

Legal Rights in Theft Cases

If you have been charged with theft, it is important to remember that you have legal rights. You are innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution has the burden of proving that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning.

It is important to exercise your right to remain silent and not answer any questions from the police or the prosecution without your attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court, and it is best to let your attorney handle all communication with the prosecution on your behalf.

Defending Against Theft Charges

There are several different defense strategies that can be used to fight theft charges. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the charges you are facing. Our attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you and help you determine the best defense strategy for your case.

Some common defense strategies in theft cases include:

• Mistaken identity: In some cases, the police may have arrested the wrong person. If you can prove that you were not at the scene of the crime or that you were not involved in the theft, the charges against you may be dropped.
• Insufficient evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence to meet this burden, the charges against you may be dropped.
• Entrapment: If the police used entrapment to get you to commit the crime, the charges against you may be dropped. Entrapment occurs when the police induce someone to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed.
• Illegal search and seizure: The police must have a valid search warrant to search your property. If the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, any evidence obtained during the search may be suppressed and the charges against you may be dropped.

Our attorney can review the specific details of your case and help you determine the best defense strategy for your situation.

Legal Options in Theft Cases

If you are facing theft charges, you have several different legal options. You can choose to plead guilty and accept the penalties, or you can choose to go to trial and fight the charges. Our attorney can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of each option and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed.

If you choose to go to trial, our attorney can help you build a strong defense strategy and represent you in court. We have extensive trial experience and know what it takes to obtain a favorable verdict for our clients. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for your future.

Preventing Theft Crimes

There are several steps you can take to help prevent theft crimes. If you own a business, it is important to have a comprehensive security system in place to help deter theft. This can include security cameras, alarms, and locks on all doors and windows. You should also have a clear policy in place for handling theft and train your employees on how to respond if they witness a theft.

If you are a consumer, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to protect your personal property. You should never leave your purse, wallet, or other valuable items unattended. You should also be cautious when using your credit or debit card and only use it at reputable businesses.

FAQs on Theft Crimes

What is the difference between theft and robbery?

Theft and robbery are both crimes that involve taking another person’s property without their permission. However, the key difference between the two is that robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force. In order to be charged with robbery, the prosecution must prove that you used force or the threat of force to take the property. If you took the property without using force or the threat of force, you may be charged with theft.

What is the difference between theft and burglary?

Theft and burglary are both crimes that involve taking another person’s property without their permission. However, the key difference between the two is that burglary involves entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime. In order to be charged with burglary, the prosecution must prove that you entered the building or structure with the intent to commit theft or another crime. If you took the property without entering a building or structure, you may be charged with theft.

What is the difference between theft and larceny?

Theft and larceny are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, in New York, larceny is a specific type of theft crime. Larceny involves taking another person’s property without their permission with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of that property. In order to be charged with larceny, the prosecution must prove that you took the property without the owner’s permission and that you intended to permanently deprive the owner of that property.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

If you have been charged with theft, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our attorney can review the specific details of your case and help you understand your legal options. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

If you have been charged with theft, call (585) 928-4193 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Rochester theft crime lawyer.