Defending Against Theft Charges
At the Swain Law Group in Norman, Oklahoma, we provide aggressive defense against all charges that involve allegations of stealing, including:
- Petit larceny
- Grand larceny
- Shoplifting
- Auto theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
Beware that the penalties associated with these charges may be more than meets the eye. If you are convicted of larceny, you could face serious fines and incarceration. These are only the criminal penalties. You may also face civil penalties. For example, a conviction of shoplifting could leave you on the line to reimburse the cost of the item stolen, the victim’s legal fees and punitive damages, which is additional money you have to pay the victim. Furthermore, there are the unseen consequences. Employers rarely want to hire an employee with a record of a theft crime, so you may lose your job and have difficulty finding a new one.
With so much on the line, you need to fight these charges with the help of a skilled lawyer.
Going The Distance In Theft Crime Cases
At our law firm, we believe that a criminal defense attorney must stand strong against all challenges. Yes, it would be easy to enter a guilty plea and accept a deal, but will it be a good deal? Not necessarily. We take great care in negotiation and are often to reach a deal that makes sense, but if our opponent is unwilling to yield, we will go to trial.
The fact of the matter is that these cases are not always as clear-cut as they seem. Videotape evidence that the prosecution presents as being airtight may actually be blurry and not even show the perpetrator’s face clearly. Witness statements may be unreliable. We never take evidence at face value. We search for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We work hard to build a defense strategy designed to protect your life and liberty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes In Oklahoma
It’s scary to be charged with a crime like theft, and so many defendants have questions about what the future may hold. Here are some of the questions we hear most often:
What are the potential consequences of being charged with theft in Oklahoma?
Theft is classified to different degrees based on the value of the stolen property, and potential sentences vary accordingly. Depending on the situation, including any prior criminal record a defendant may have and the extent of the losses suffered by the victims of the theft, punishments can include fines, restitution (repayment for the items stolen), probation, community service and incarceration in jail or prison.
What is the definition of theft in Oklahoma, and what constitutes evidence for such charges?
Oklahoma calls theft “larceny,” and it’s defined as intentionally taking someone else’s valuable personal property by either fraud or stealth from a place other than their home with the intent to permanently deprive them of ownership. This is different from burglary, which involves stealing from a home, and robbery, which involves the use of force.
Evidence of theft can vary according to the situation, but it can include eyewitness accounts (such as acts seen by store security personnel), video evidence, photographs, electronic evidence (like text messages) and circumstantial evidence (such as the fact the property is found hidden in a defendant’s vehicle).
Can an Oklahoma theft charge be expunged from my record?
Moving on with your life after a larceny charge can be very difficult. It can be harder to build relationships, find a job, obtain housing and more. Both misdemeanor and nonviolent felony theft charges may be eligible for expungement if you meet certain criteria and enough time has passed. An experienced attorney can help you understand your eligibility.
Free Consultation About Theft Offenses
Call 405-546-1292 or email us to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to take action to defend your rights if you have been accused of theft.