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Louisiana courts take theft offenses seriously and are eager to prosecute those who have been charged with any theft crime. If you have been accused of theft, a New Orleans theft & burglary lawyer can help you advocate for your future.
If you have been charged with theft, you should seek an attorney who can closely investigate the circumstances surrounding your case. Police are required to follow a particular protocol when arresting and charging an individual with theft. If they do not act accordingly, the charges you are facing could be reduced or dismissed. It is our job to make sure that your rights are protected and you receive fair treatment by the court.
John Radziewicz of Crescent City Law is dedicated to offering aggressive representation to individuals seeking an experienced criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans. Typically, theft and shoplifting charges stem from alleged incidents in retail stores.
Regardless of the location, John Radziewicz has fought for clients who have been charged with the following:
Each of these charges carries a serious sentence. You could be facing hefty fines and several years in jail. Crescent City Law is determined to protect your rights and help you defend your case against the prosecutors. By remaining communicative and close to your case from start to finish, John Radziewicz is able to help you plan for a conviction-free future.
From the Garden District to St. Tammany, theft and burglary charges are taken seriously. Judges can look at many factors when evaluating your case, including evidence and specific allegations.
According to Neighborhood Scout, New Orleans experienced 15,309 property crimes in a given year. This equaled a crime rate of 42.21 per 1,000 residents. The chances of becoming a victim of a property crime are 1 in 24.
The penalties you may face for theft and burglary charges depend on several factors. While criminal theft cases are handled seriously in all instances, certain factors may result in increased penalties. The seriousness of the theft penalties often depends on the value of the property involved in the alleged conduct. Some cases can carry minimum penalties, while others may increase if there are repeat offenses or other factors.
Stealing or taking another person’s property can fall under several different charges. The penalties for theft often increase as the value of the property increases. Penalties can range from fines, restitution, and probation or short-term penalties to large fines and longer incarcerations. The court may also take details such as whether multiple people were involved or if the alleged offense occurred more than once.
Burglary cases are more serious because they involve entering a structure or place with the intent to commit a crime. Even if you do not steal property in some of these situations, you can still face heavy penalties. If multiple people are involved or you enter a place while carrying a weapon or committing an additional crime, penalties can escalate.
Depending on the situation, you might be required to pay restitution in addition to fines or incarceration. Restitution involves repaying the victim of your alleged crime. These fees can often add up quickly. Facing a theft or burglary charge can also have long-term consequences.
Employers, landlords, and future opportunities may take your criminal history into consideration. Theft crimes are often related to your character, and many people associate these crimes with someone who is not trustworthy.
Defenses to theft and burglary charges can vary based on individual facts, evidence, and circumstances. No two cases are exactly alike, which is why it is critical to consult with an attorney about your legal options.
One of the defenses to burglary charges revolves around intent. Because burglary requires you to intentionally enter a place or structure to commit a crime, it may be difficult to prove that you did not have the intent when you walked in.
If you believed you had permission to be in the place you are accused of burglarizing, your charges could be affected. Consent and ownership issues can become defenses if you thought the property belonged to you.
In some cases, you might be wrongfully accused of theft or burglary. Perhaps the person who is accusing you is misidentifying you or your allies. While this does not guarantee that the charge must be dropped, mistakes in identity can be used as a defense.
It is also possible that law enforcement acted unlawfully when collecting evidence. If police failed to search or seize property according to protocol, or if they did not read your Miranda rights when arresting you, your charges could be impacted. The value of the property that you are accused of stealing can also play a factor in your defense. Penalties often increase with value, so proving that the cost was less than alleged can make a difference in your case.
There are many reasons you may want to hire a theft & burglary lawyer. Theft and burglary cases are rarely black and white. Several factors can alter the way your case is viewed. An attorney can see that all the circumstances surrounding your arrest and charges are brought to light. Small details can change the way evidence is perceived or the way charges are interpreted. In some cases, these factors may affect whether or not your charges are reduced or dropped altogether.
An attorney can also understand the elements of your charge. For instance, burglary charges often require proving you intended to commit a crime when you entered the property. Theft charges can require proving you took ownership of property that did not belong to you, and similar factors.
Your theft or burglary charge can have lifelong effects. For these reasons and more, it is important to know what you are getting into.
If you have been charged with theft or burglary in New Orleans, Crescent City Law can help you in the legal process.
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There can come a point when theft becomes a felony charge, depending on how much the value of the property being stolen exceeds. For general theft, when items valued at $1,000 or more are unlawfully taken, the defendant may face felony charges. The higher the value, the more likely you are to face a more serious felony charge. A lesser value is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Felonies generally have much harsher punishments and lasting repercussions.
With Crescent City Law, you’ll have a lawyer that is dedicated, accountable, available, and committed
to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
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