Theft Crimes Attorney In Sacramento, California
Do You Or A Loved One Face Theft Charges?
Being accused of theft can be an extremely stressful scenario to deal with, especially when you fully comprehend the serious legal consequences that can follow your accusation.
Whether you have been accused of shoplifting, burglary, or embezzlement, understanding your rights is absolutely crucial for successfully defending yourself and navigating the complexities of the legal system. An experienced Sacramento theft defense attorney possesses the necessary skills to challenge the evidence presented against you while ensuring that no one takes advantage of your rights or misrepresents the situation.
At The Ward Firm, we recognize the numerous factors that can complicate the management of theft cases. Our extensive years of experience in this field empower us to comprehensively investigate every aspect of your case and identify the weakest points in the prosecution's argument.
Whether you are facing a petty theft charge, which may seem minor, or a more intricate and serious white-collar embezzlement allegation, our law firm is well-equipped to highlight the crucial facts of your case and tirelessly defend your rights throughout the entire legal process. We are dedicated to providing you with the robust legal support you deserve.
Call The Ward Firm at 916-818-1122 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Common Reasons People Are Inaccurately Charged with Theft
False accusations are not uncommon in theft cases. This can happen for many different reasons, which leads to unnecessary stress and fear of legal repercussions from the accused. However, while everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, it’s important to connect with a theft defense lawyer to build as strong of a case as possible to ensure the facts of the case prevail.
Some of the most common reasons why people are accused inaccurately of theft include:
Misunderstandings or Miscommunication
Many theft charges happen from a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication between parties. For example, someone who may have assumed an item was stolen forgot that they allowed the individual in question to borrow it for a certain period. There can also be a misunderstanding of who actually owns an item. In a retail setting, there could be miscommunication, such as someone forgetting to pay for an item.
Mistaken Identity
Sometimes, a witness or victim may incorrectly identify someone as a perpetrator. This doesn’t happen due to malicious intentions; in some cases, it could be due to poor visibility, situational stress, or an inherent bias that is unrecognizable to the plaintiff. Providing surveillance footage in these instances might not always be helpful as well, as an unclear image could lead to individuals misinterpreting who exactly is at fault for the theft.
Lack of Evidence or Circumstantial Evidence
In some cases, a theft charge can be based on weak or circumstantial evidence that does not stand up in court. For example, if someone is near the scene when the theft is happening or if they possess an item similar to what was stolen. All of this can lead to a wrongful accusation. While circumstantial evidence can be compelling, it is not always sufficient to prove someone is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
False Accusations
Unfortunately, theft accusations are sometimes made with malicious intent or without justification. For example, a personal dispute between two individuals or an attempt to cover up one’s own wrongdoing can be enough motivation to claim someone else committed theft when they know it’s not true. In these cases, an investigation and a comprehensive effort to collect evidence are necessary to expose the truth and protect anyone who has been accused inaccurately.
Errors in Store or Inventory Management
Sometimes, a retail store makes an error that leads to an incorrect theft accusation. This can include a misunderstanding of a store policy, a discrepancy with inventory management, or a defect in the store’s security system. For example, a cashier might mistakenly believe that an item was not paid for, or the store’s theft alarm could malfunction.
Hiring a defense lawyer can help uncover the specifics of these errors and ensure they are appropriately addressed in your defense.
FAQs
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Accused of Theft but Haven’t Been Charged Yet?
If you have been accused of theft but have not been formally charged, it is crucial to act as quickly as you can. Avoid making any statements to the accuser, law enforcement, or anyone else involved in the incident. This includes making comments on your social media accounts. Anything that you say without the guidance of a Sacramento theft defense attorneys can be used against you later on, so you want to be very careful about making a statement in error.
Can Theft Charges Affect My Future Even if I’m Not Convicted?
There is a chance of Sacramento theft charges affecting your future even if you are not convicted. For example, an arrest record or criminal accusation could appear on a background check for housing or career prospects. However, if you are found innocent of the allegations, this would also appear in the record. To avoid any confusion, speak with your defense lawyer about having these records sealed or expunged to ensure they minimize any negative impact on your future.
What Are the Potential Defenses Against Theft Charges?
The specific defense strategies you use depend on the circumstances of your case. Some of the more common defenses include lack of intent, mistaken identity, and proof of ownership. You can also help show you didn’t intend to permanently deprive the individual of their property by showing how you were under the impression you had permission to borrow it. All of this can help to show that your actions were lawful and that there was no intent to commit a crime.
Can I Be Charged with Theft if I Return the Item?
Returning an allegedly stolen item does not automatically mean that someone will have theft charges dropped. The prosecution may still choose to move the case forward, suggesting that the crime was complete when you took the item with the intent to deprive the owner of it. However, the act of returning the item could be used as a negotiation tactic to reduce or dismiss the charge entirely, as it helps to demonstrate your remorse in the situation.
Facing Criminal Charges? Have Questions?
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, the steps you take now can have a lasting impact on your future. Understanding your rights and your legal options is critical. Call The Ward Firm at 916-818-1122 today to speak directly with Justin L. Ward about your situation. Prompt legal guidance can make an important difference in protecting your rights.