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Leesburg Theft Lawyer

We all are aware that stealing is wrong. It may be uncommon for one person to outright steal from another. These days there are more sophisticated ways to take another person’s belongings, such as through embezzlement at work or tricking a person into handing money over to another.

If the government accuses you of larceny, you may be less concerned with all the various laws and more worried about what is going to happen to you. The most important thing is not to panic. As an alternative, you could take a moment and consider your best course of action.

You may find speaking with a Leesburg theft lawyer informative and helpful. An attorney may be able to help you understand the laws at issue, what procedures may apply to you and aggressive defenses you can argue at court. You do not have to face the judicial system alone. Enlisting the services of an intelligent criminal defense attorney could be pivotal in your situation.

Theft Laws in Leesburg

As an experienced attorney could explain, many crimes involve stealing items. The fundamental laws are grand and petit larceny, which are differentiated based on the value of the goods. Other acts include:

  • Stealing identification documents
  • Stealing animals
  • Stealing financial documents
  • Shoplifting
  • Selling stolen items
  • Embezzlement
  • Robbery

No matter which type of theft a person is accused, a Leesburg attorney could provide the legal support they need.

Grand Larceny

Grand larceny is a type of theft, which involves taking something worth five dollars or more from a person, as described in Code of Virginia  §18.2-95. It also includes stealing a gun or something worth $500 or more. If the act is a felony, the court may sentence that person to up to 20 years in jail. If the court tries the action as a misdemeanor, the court may send that person to prison for no more than 12 months and issue a fine of up to $2,500.

Petit Larceny

Petit larceny is a less serious crime, as noted in  Code of Virginia §18.2-96. A court may find someone guilty of violating this law if they take from another person, an item worth less than five dollars or steal a good worth less than $500. A  violation of this law is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Embezzlement

One famous white-collar crime is embezzlement, which occurs when a person who has control over another person’s money converts that cash to their personal use. Embezzlement may also involve acts of fraud, falsified records, and altered bookkeeping. The punishment for embezzlement is based on the laws for grand and petit larceny, as found in Code of Virginia §18.2-111.

Given the potential ramifications of an embezzlement charge, defendants should speak with a driven Leesburg theft lawyer for help.

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is taking property from a merchant without paying the full price or defrauding the merchant in some way. A shoplifter may alter a price tag, transfer goods from one container to another, or hide products to gain access to them later. The punishment for shoplifting is also based on the rules related to grand and petit larceny, which the Code of Virginia §18.2-103 states.

Get in Touch with a Leesburg Theft Attorney

Depending on the value of the goods the police have accused you of taking, you may be facing felony charges. A felony may go on your permanent record and follow you your whole life. There is also the matter of potential jail time and fines. A Leesburg theft lawyer may be an invaluable asset as you consider your next step.

A theft attorney may be able to explain the applicable law and help you understand your rights and any defenses you might be able to apply to your case. Often time is an issue, so do not delay in seeking out the help you need.

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