Theft is a far-reaching and broad charge. The act itself is defined as taking another person’s property without the intent of returning it. This can include a great many things from stealing something from your neighbor to complex, white-collar crimes like embezzlement. No matter what kind of theft you’re being charged with, we believe that you’re innocent until proven guilty at Candela Law Firm, P.A. In order to help you know what’s to come, we’ve laid out what you can expect from your criminal defense attorney in your theft case.
Find an attorney
Whether or not you committed the crime, it’s important to meet with a criminal defense attorney once you’ve been charged with theft. You should not go about defending yourself in a criminal case because it becomes much easier for the opposition to get you caught up in your words and make it seem that you’re guilty even if you’re not. An attorney will lay out all possible results and punishments that come with your charges and come up with an effective plan to fight your case. It’s important that you find a lawyer who is experienced in criminal law and will fight a theft case for you.
Initial consultation
When you first meet your attorney, you will have what’s called an initial consultation. This is where you lay out all the information that you have regarding your charges so your lawyer has a chance to consider your case.
Explain your side of the story
Before your attorney has a chance to put together a complete defense, you must explain your side of what happened. It’s important to be as detailed as possible so your lawyer can consider everything that went into the charges that are being levied against you.
Consider your defense
Fortunately, there are valid defenses for theft and your criminal defense attorney will help find a way to fight for you. Defenses include:
- Showing that you have the right to ownership of the property. This claim will require evidence that can include a title, deed, or receipt.
- Showing that you were intoxicated at the time of the theft. You would have to prove that you truly believed the property was yours and there was no intent to steal while intoxicated.
- Proof that the property in question was returned. This will not always get the charges against you dropped, but it can be helpful in plea bargaining.
- Entrapment, which means that you were lured by another party into committing the crime.
Consider your options
Even if you did commit the crime, it’s important to understand that there are ways to reach a plea deal to lower the consequences of your actions. A felony theft charge can follow you for years down the road and make it difficult to land a steady job or even find housing. A criminal defense attorney will work with you in your unique case to help provide you with the best options for your future.
Contact Candela Law Firm, P.A.
If you’ve been charged with theft, don’t hesitate to reach out to Candela Law Firm, P.A. today. We’ll fight for your constitutional rights as your criminal defense attorney in Tampa. Anthony Candela is a three-time board-certified criminal trial attorney, so you can feel comfortable knowing that he has the knowledge and experience to put together the best defense for your case. Send a message using our online contact form today and we’ll promptly return your message. We want to fight for you.
