5 Types of Theft Sentencing for Theft Crimes

By: Romel Whiteside | Posted: 09th August 2009

Are you familiar with the sentencing of theft crimes? There are a variety of theft crimes out there from fraud to embezzlement, robbery, identity theft, and etc. There are many different types of theft sentencing for these theft crimes also.

To begin with, you have to distinguish whether or not your theft crime is a misdemeanor or a felony. If it is a misdemeanor theft, then that means the maximum jail time for a theft sentence will be less than a year.

Also, if it's a misdemeanor theft, your theft sentence will depend on a number of factors. Before a judge hands out a sentence for a theft crime, he will have to find out if it is the thief's first offense.

If it is, then the thief will receive a short jail term, a fine, restitution or probation. If the crime is more severe or is over a certain value, then the theft crime could be considered a felony. In this case, it would be beneficial for the criminal to hire a criminal defense attorney.

Some states have a "3 strike law" for repeat offenders of theft crimes. This will automatically increase the theft sentence for the criminal. They may get a double term, 25 years, or even life. If the theft penalty is severe, then a criminal defense attorney is needed.

Here are 5 of the many theft sentences for a theft crime:

1.) In the case of identity theft, the most basic penalty is paying the victim for the losses financially. Not only will the criminal have to pay what he stole, he will have to pay for attorney fees, and any other fees they incurred.

2.) If it's a first offense, sometimes the judge will dismiss the theft sentence entirely, especially if the victim feels like they have been compensated for their losses. With these theft crimes, the defendant might be able to receive alternatives to jail time. They might receive a fine, community service, or restitution.

3.) Serious theft crimes like robbery or a theft that involves force, the criminal can receive up to 12.5 years or a fine up to $150,000.

4.) If one of the theft crimes is shoplifting, then it could either be a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the item. In the state of Arizona, if the value of the item is below $250, then it is a misdemeanor. If the amount of stolen goods is over that, then it is considered a felony. Also, you do not have to leave the store to be convicted of shoplifting.

5.) If you are "in the know" of an identity theft scam, then you could be charged additional penalties on top of any theft sentence you get. Examples will include: managers, bankers, tellers, employees..etc. If identity theft is used for anything that relates to terrorist, then the criminal will get an additional 5 years on top of their theft sentence. The maximum identity theft punishment is 25 years.

This is just a few of the theft sentences being handed out for theft crimes. Contact your local and state governments for laws that govern your jurisdiction.



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Tags: many different types, sentences, losses, defendant, identity theft, crimes, thief, attorney fees, felony, robbery, jail time, restitution, embezzlement, probation, first offense, misdemeanor, jail term, criminal defense attorney