Theft Defense Attorney Lehi, UT – Hoyer Law
Hoyer Law Firm
1250 E 200 S STE 2G
Lehi, UT 84043
(801)901-0797
https://attorneylehiutah.com
According to Utah state law, the punishment for theft should correlate to the value of the stolen item, goods, or services. For example, if you took an article worth $10, you would receive a lighter sentence than you would for stealing an item worth $2,000.
The lowest category of theft can land you in jail for a period of up to six months, however, and even if you stole or are suspected of stealing a small item, you should seek immediate legal advice and representation.
Hoyer Law’s criminal law expert is standing by to defend your rights in the case of an investigation for theft. If you are currently facing theft charges, keep reading to learn more about the procedures involved and our services.
There are different types of theft, from shoplifting to embezzlement to grand theft auto. At Hoyer law, we can help you, regardless of the theft charge you are facing. According to Utah’s legal code, there are primarily four categories of theft, namely:
- Embezzlement,
- Burglary,
- Robbery, and
- Theft of services.
Embezzlement is property theft in part or whole from an owner that entrusted the accused with the management of the property.
For example, a person that steals money from a family member that they are caring for or an employee that steals company funds they control.
Burglary is when a person gains unlawful access to another person’s property with the intention of committing theft. To secure a conviction of burglary, the prosecution has to prove that the accused entered or remained inside a building with the intent to steal.
If there is proof of an illegal presence in the property, but nothing was stolen, it can be classified as attempted burglary, and if someone obtains injuries during the burglary, the act can constitute aggravated burglary.
Robbery is when the accused takes an item from another person through force or the threat of violence. If a person fears that he or she is in immediate danger, the theft can also be robbery, even if the robber didn’t explicitly threaten the victim.
If the robber uses a deadly weapon while carrying out the robbery or if someone is hurt in the process, the theft can be classified as aggravated robbery.
According to Utah law, services can also be stolen. If a person obtains services through deception, a threat, or the use of force, it is theft of services.
When it comes to penalizing theft, Utah law doesn’t differentiate between theft of tangible items and services.
The punishments for these types of theft are the same, and they depend on the monetary value of the property that was stolen. The monetary value also determines the level of the charge you are facing. Below is a schedule of severity:
- Class B misdemeanor - Less than $50
- Class A misdemeanor - Between $500 and $1,499
- Third-degree felony - Between $1,500 and $4,999
- Second-degree felony - $5,000 or more
Parallel to a criminal charge, you may also face a civil suit for damages. A criminal court that orders you to pay a fine will not take civil action against you into account, and civil claims are regarded to be separate from criminal charges.
When you discover that you are the subject of a theft investigation, you should seek specialist legal help as soon as possible.
Don’t think that a minor misdemeanor is something that you can shrug off and defend on your own, as it, ultimately, has the potential to result in hefty fines or a jail sentence.
A jail sentence as a direct penalty can be pretty severe, but the collateral consequences can be equally detrimental. For example, if you have to go to jail for six months, you may lose your job, and your family dynamic may suffer significant damage.
After you are released from jail, your prospects for future employment may be limited, your relationships may be tarnished, and the period you spend in prison is valuable time that you could have used to spend with your family or to work on your career.
The good news is that seeking immediate expert legal defense can reduce your risk of a severe penalty significantly.
Hoyer Law is criminal law experts, and we have an excellent track record, especially when it comes to theft defense services.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
