(864) 585-5100
The charge of theft in South Carolina is based on the value of the property in question, which means it can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. In addition to the legal fines and penalties, there are serious social consequences associated with a conviction.
If you are facing a theft charge, the stakes are high, and you need a trusted Spartanburg theft lawyer backing you up from the outset. After an arrest, you should not wait to consult with the criminal defense team at KD Trial Lawyers for help.
In South Carolina, the crime of theft, which is generally called larceny, refers to unlawfully taking, obtaining, or withholding property that belongs to someone else without their consent. In addition, the charge requires that the accused intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property in question. Charges can take several different forms, including the following.
Petit theft, or petty theft, applies to cases that involve property valued at $2,000 or less. The charge is a misdemeanor that carries fines of up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.
When the value of the stolen property exceeds the $2,000 threshold, the crime becomes grand larceny. From here, the charge breaks down into two classifications that are based on overall value.
If the stolen property is worth less than $10,000, the charge is a Class F felony. A conviction carries up to five years in prison as well as fines that are set as a matter of the court’s discretion. If the stolen property is worth more than $10,000, the charge is a Class E felony. A conviction carries up 10 years in prison as well as fines that are set at the state court’s discretion.
Shoplifting, as it relates to retail stores, is a specific kind of theft. This may include:
Shoplifting charges are classified according to value in the same way that other theft charges are. If you have been charged with theft in Spartanburg, one of the most important first steps you can take is consulting with a dedicated attorney early on to protect your rights.
In addition to the steep fines and harsh penalties associated with a theft conviction, there are social implications to consider. These impacts may include:
If you are facing a theft charge, it is time to discuss your case with a dedicated theft lawyer in Spartanburg.
A Spartanburg theft lawyer at KD Trial Lawyers is well prepared to build a strong defense on your behalf, in focused pursuit of a favorable case resolution. We faithfully represent clients in both South Carolina and North Carolina, and we look forward to also serving you. For more information about what we can do to help, please do not delay reaching out and contacting us online or giving our firm a call today.