Do you have a loved one who is recently facing shoplifting charges? Are you familiar about petty theft or petty larceny? How about its clauses and penalties? Do you know the specifics of the said crime? Petty larceny or, in layman’s term, shoplifting may deem a minor legal impediment to some people but it is actually a crime punishable by law. Being convicted with petty larceny, either as a juvenile or an adult, can have a huge impact to one’s life. When facing such dilemma, a reliable criminal attorney Las Vegas can make a lot of difference.
Understanding Larceny
But first, you need to understand that the stolen item’s value can indicate whether the crime is petty or grand. In Nevada, stealing $650 or more is already considered grand theft larceny and this could mean stiffer punishments. Anything lower than that is labeled petty theft but still the idea of a lenient punishment depends largely on how a criminal lawyer can defend you. Notorious examples of larceny cases in Las Vegas often involve switching price tags, putting on unpaid clothes or shoes, eating without paying, consuming food without footing the bill, and so on. Most people who get convicted of petty larceny are minors.
Punishments
There are many tough DUI attorney Las Vegas practitioners which also handle petty larceny. Like DUI, first time offense in shoplifting can be labeled as misdemeanor and often punishable with a fine or a short stint in jail. Often, the main basis of the penalty depends on the value of the product being taken without permission. A judge will also require that the product being stolen be returned in good condition. Repeat offenders, of course, receive harsher and stiffer punishments with longer incarceration depending on the value of the item being stolen. Juveniles, however, are made to do community service or be sent to a detention center but will still have to return the stolen items like adult offenders do—only their record will be sealed.
Criminal Record
Convicted adults will carry a criminal record all their lives and this could mean a great deal when applying for job, credit, scholarship, professional license and other arrangements requiring a background check. Adult repeat offenders can be convicted with felony which means higher fines and longer jail time. To some, expunging such records will make a lot of difference and having a reliable criminal defense lawyer at your side can be of much help.
When this happens to you or a loved one by accident or by your own volition, having a criminal defense lawyer is your best bet in getting a lenient penalty or perhaps, an acquittal if you or a loved one is innocent of the crime. Do carefully check your attorney’s background. Some casino marker attorney Las Vegas practitioner is actually experts in this type of case, too. A quick check in online archives will be of help.
About Lance Hendron
Lance Hendron is a top-rated criminal defense attorney based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He specializes in larceny cases, casino fraud, drug cases, violent crimes, and burglary and theft, federal crimes, sex offenses, and many more. He is also known as an experienced DUI attorney in the State of Nevada and is currently serving as the President of the Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice.
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