Winchester Theft Lawyer

Theft Attorney in Winchester, VA

If you have been accused of theft in Winchester, Virginia, it is important to have a skilled and experienced Winchester theft lawyer on your side. Whether you have been accused of petty larceny stemming from an incident at Winchester Walmart or accused of another theft-related crime at the Apple Blossom Mall, having legal representation on your side is crucial if you hope to protect your rights and avoid any kind of criminal conviction.

Trust the Criminal Defense Team at Amable Law, PLLC

Since 2014, the team at Amable Law, PLLC, has been fighting for the rights of men and women in a range of criminal cases. We understand the unique legal nuances often at play in theft crimes and can leverage that knowledge to benefit your defense. We are familiar with handling cases through both the Winchester/Frederick General District Court and the Winchester/Frederick Circuit Court, both under the same roof at 5 North Kent Street in Winchester. Let us fight for you.

Common Types of Theft Charges in Winchester

In Virginia, there are several theft charges classified by state law, depending on the property stolen, its value, and the intent behind the theft. In a single year, the nationwide larceny or theft rate is approximately 1,347.2 cases per 100,000 people.

When you have been charged with a theft crime in Winchester, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable lawyer who can help you build your defense and better understand the charges being brought against you. In the state of Virginia, the most common charges related to theft include:

• Petit larceny. This form of theft involves the theft of property valued at less than $1,000. It is commonly charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and those convicted could face up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
• Grand larceny. This charge applies if an individual steals property worth $1,000 or more. The penalty involved for a grand larceny conviction is 1 to 20 years in prison and a fine totaling up to $2,500.
• Theft with intent to sell or distribute. This is a crime separate from other kinds of theft. If an individual steals property worth $1,000 or more with the intent to sell or distribute this property, this is considered a felony offense. The punishments for such an offense include a prison sentence of two to 20 years. If you were caught stealing more than one of a single item, the prosecution may use this as evidence of an intent to sell or distribute.

Other Forms of Theft Charges

Theft charges like these can take several different forms and involve acts of:

• Shoplifting
• Pick-pocketing
• Breaking into a house to steal something
• Taking something that belongs to a party, such as an employer, and selling it for your own personal gain
• Stealing a car, or carjacking, which happens at a rate of 6.6 cases per 100,000 members of the population in the United States

If you have been accused of any kind of theft in Winchester, the defense team at Amable Law, PLLC, is here to fight for you. Call our offices today to learn more.

Defense Strategies for Theft Charges

Depending on the circumstances involved in your case, there are several defense strategies that can be explored. At Amable Law, PLLC, we have experience implementing the following defenses for client cases facing theft charges:

• Claim of right to the property or ownership of the property
• Having the consent of the alleged victim
• Suffering entrapment by law enforcement officers
• Having a lack of intent
• Acting out of necessity
• Suffering from a mental incapacity

FAQs

Q: How Long Can a Theft Case Take?

A: It is difficult to offer an exact timeline as to how long it might take a theft case to process through the court system and reach an official outcome. This is because several factors affect the time frame of a criminal case. These factors include the complexity of your case, the availability of the evidence, and the availability of the courts.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Theft in Virginia?

A: Depending on the circumstances of the alleged theft crime and the amount of money involved in the act of theft, when convicted, an individual can face a variety of penalties. These penalties can include jail time, monetary fines, probation, and restitution payments made to victims. You will also be assigned a permanent criminal record, which could make it difficult to obtain employment.

Q: What Should I Do After Being Arrested for Theft?

A: After being arrested for theft in Winchester, it is important that you take certain steps to protect yourself and your rights. First, do not elude arrest. Second, when you are taken into police custody, remember that you have certain rights. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. As soon as you can, contact the team at Amable Law, PLLC.

Q: What if I Am Innocent of the Crime?

A: Even if you are innocent of a theft crime in Virginia, it is in your interest to cooperate with the law enforcement officers. Allow them to take you into their custody, as trying to flee or elude arrest will only harm your defense in the future. At Amable Law, PLLC, we are here to uncover the evidence necessary to prove your innocence and stop at nothing to protect your rights. 

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Hire a Theft Lawyer Serving Virginia Clients Today

If you or someone you love has been accused of theft in Winchester or anywhere across the state of Virginia, you need to hire a theft lawyer as soon as possible. The stakes are high in these cases, and now is not the time to try to represent yourself. Instead, turn to the experienced and qualified team at Amable Law, PLLC.

Our attorneys are bilingual, meaning that we are here to serve clients from all backgrounds. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with our team.