Stamford Theft Penalties
As defined by Stamford law, shoplifting is a form of larceny. It occurs when somebody takes property from a store without paying for it and attempts to keep it for themselves.
This is done by removing the property from the store or concealing it in a way where it becomes evident that the person is attempting to appropriate the property to their own possession or use.
Being convicted of the crime of theft can carry severe penalties. To best defend against such Stamford theft penalties, it is imperative that an individual contact a lawyer. An experienced theft attorney in Stamford can build a defense to help lessen or dismiss any potential consequences.
Potential Penalties
The penalties associated with a Stamford theft charge depends on the degree of larceny the person is charged with. The degree of larceny that the person is charged with will largely depend on the value of the property. If, for example, the property is worth more than $20,000, the person would be charged with larceny in the first degree.
If the shoplifting occurred in a store that carried jewelry, for example, and that jewelry was worth more than $20,000, the person would be exposed to a charge of larceny in the first degree. This is a Class B felony with a potential Stamford theft penalty of up to 20 years in prison, up to a $15,000 fine, and up to five years of probation.
Misdemeanor Charges
The likelihood is that the shoplifting is not going to involve a valuable piece of property. Usually, shoplifting deals with property that may be worth up to a $1,000. Most of the time, things removed from stores are not worth more than $1,000.
If, for example, the value of the property is less than $1,000, the person charged will face larceny in the fourth degree or less. At that level, a person may be charged with larceny in the fourth degree, larceny in the fifth degree, and larceny in the sixth degree are misdemeanors.
When dealing with misdemeanors, the maximum term of imprisonment is one year, the maximum fine is $2,000, and the maximum term of probation is two years. To help combat such Stamford theft penalties, an individual must consult with a lawyer.
Repeat Offenders
For second time offenders, all the Stamford theft penalties would be the same. However, the likelihood that the individual may receive such penalties may differ.
The types of punishments that may be imposed for somebody that is a second offender will more likely be a punishment that is more severe. A second-time offender will also be less likely to be given the benefit of rehabilitation as opposed to punishment, so the focus will start shifting more towards the potential Stamford theft penalties.
When a person is a third-time offender, the person starts becoming in danger of being deemed a persistent larceny offender. A person is deemed a persistent larceny offender if they have been convicted two other times for larceny and is in danger of being convicted a third time.
No matter what that specific larceny incident was, it automatically puts the person into a felony classification. The persistent larceny offender law says that even if the charge is only a misdemeanor, the court has the authority to impose a theft consequence in Stamford that is the equivalent for a Class D felony, which will be up to five years of imprisonment.